Plant growing system and methods of using the same

ABSTRACT

A plant growing system includes an outer shell, the outer shell being biodegradable, a rooting material, the rooting material comprising external ribbing, the external ribbing forming gaps between the outer shell and the rooting material when the rooting material is inserted in the outer shell, and one or more of a fertilizer, a nutrient, or a seed. The outer shell and the rooting material form a water reservoir, the water reservoir in communication with the gaps and, prior to the plant growing system being watered, comprising the fertilizer or nutrient.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/379,166, filed Aug. 15, 2014, which is a national phase applicationof International Patent Application No. PCT/US2013/026511, filed Feb.15, 2016, which claims priority to and the benefit of the followingprovisional applications: (1) U.S. Provisional Application No.61/600,565, filed Feb. 17, 2012, (2) U.S. Provisional Application No.61/637,193, filed Apr. 23, 2012, (3) U.S. Provisional Application No.61/648,982, filed May 18, 2012, and (4) U.S. Provisional Application No.61/715,088, filed Oct. 17, 2012. The contents of each of theseapplications are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

The present application also claims priority to and the benefit of thefollowing design applications: (1) U.S. application Ser. No. 29/418,920,filed Apr. 23, 2012, (2) U.S. application Ser. No. 29/422,347, filed May18, 2012, (3) U.S. application Ser. No. 29/428,679, filed Aug. 2, 2012,and (4) U.S. application Ser. No. 29/434,848, filed Oct. 17, 2012. Thecontents of each of these design applications are incorporated byreference in their entirety.

The present application is related to U.S. application Ser. No.29/413,720, filed Feb. 17, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. D671,028, thecontents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE TECHNOLOGY

Exemplary embodiments relate to a seed planting system that incorporatesan outer shell, a plant growing or rooting media, seed(s), fertilizer,and a lid, as well as methods of using this plant growing system.Exemplary embodiments also relate to an indoor growing unit having anintegral water and light source. The indoor growing unit is configuredfor use with the seed planting system.

SUMMARY

Exemplary embodiments provide a seed pod, seed cone, planting cone,and/or a planting system that simplifies the seed planting process.

Exemplary embodiments provide a seed pod, seed cone, planting cone,and/or planting system that include all of the necessary components forgrowing a plant with minimal effort.

Exemplary embodiments include that when the seed pod, seed cone,planting cone, and/or planting system is planted and watered, there isno need for any additional nutrients, fertilizers, or plant treatmentsfor the successful growth of the plant.

Exemplary embodiments provide that when the seed pod, seed cone,planting cone, and/or planting system is planted, there is no need todetermine the appropriate depth for seed planting nor any need fordetermining the proper planting distance between each of the seed pods,seed cones, planting cones, and/or planting systems.

Another exemplary embodiment provides a seed pod, seed cone, plantingcone and/or planting system that have an outer shell, a plant growing orrooting media, seeds, fertilizer and/or nutrients, and a lid.

Another exemplary embodiment provides an outer shell made of composted,molded, formed, and/or shapeable materials.

Yet another exemplary embodiment provides an outer shell that is moldedinto a form that provides maximum rigidity for penetration into asurface. Additionally, the outer shell should be of a sufficient sizeand circumference to sustain the early stages of plant growth.

Yet another exemplary embodiment provides an outer shell thatincorporates a flange to aid in proper depth placement, thereby allowingthe end user to position the seed pod, seed cone, planting cone and/orplanting system at the proper and optimal growing depth.

Yet another exemplary embodiment provides plant growing or roofing mediathat is inserted into or within the outer shell.

Yet another exemplary embodiment provides plant growing media or roofingmedia that is molded or formed and shaped to fit integrally within theouter shell.

Yet another exemplary embodiment provides plant growing media or roofingmedia that has external ribs and gaps there between, such that the gapsform one or more channels between the inner wall of the outer shell andthe plant growing media or roofing media. In one embodiment, thechannels formed by the gaps are open and extend throughout the length ofthe inner wall of the outer shell such that water flows freely to thebottom of the seed pod, seed cone, planting cone, and/or plantingsystem. In another exemplary embodiment, one or more of the gaps areclosed such that one or more of the channels are formed below the uppersurface of the rooting media (i.e. the channel does not extendthroughout the length of the inner wall of the outer shell) such thatthe flow of water to the bottom of the seed pod, seed cone, plantingcone, and/or planting system may be reduced. In another exemplaryembodiment, the gaps form closed channels that open at the top andcontinue for only part of the length of the inner wall of the outershell.

Yet another exemplary embodiment provides external ribs on the plantgrowing media or rooting media that allow the flow of water below theplant growing media or rooting media to access fertilizer located withinand at the bottom of the outer shell. The external ribs also allow thewater to accumulate at the bottom of the shell and ultimately wick backup to provide moisture to the seed, through absorption by the rootingmedia.

Yet another exemplary embodiment provides plant growing media or rootingmedia that has dibbles, recesses, concavities, or holes for positioningor housing of the seed(s). There may be one or more dibbles, recesses,concavities, or holes present in the plant growing media or rootingmedia. Once the seeds are placed within the formed dibbles, recesses,concavities or holes the seed may be covered or overlaid with a plug orlid to seal the seed within the media.

Yet another exemplary embodiment provides that the planting growingmedia or rooting media comprises slits for placement of the seeds. Inanother exemplary embodiment, the fertilizer may be admixed orintegrated into the plant growing media or rooting media.

Exemplary embodiments provide within the bottom of the outer shell anamount of a fertilizer or nutrient to help sustain the growth and/orestablishment of the seeds.

Yet another exemplary embodiment provides fertilizer or nutrient that isa controlled release nutrient. These nutrients may comprise nitrogen,phosphorus, potassium, secondary nutrients, and/or micronutrients.

Another exemplary embodiment is that the seed pod, seed cone, plantingcone and/or planting system includes a lid that seals the contentswithin the outer shell.

Yet another exemplary embodiment provides a lid that is made of abiodegradable material. The lid may be configured to fit onto the outershell, fit into the outer shell, or may be adhered onto the outer shell.

An additional exemplary embodiment is a seed pod, seed cone, plantingcone and/or planting system that includes seed(s) of plant(s). Theseplants may include vegetables, flowers, fruits, herbs, grass, trees, orperennial plant parts (e.g., bulbs, roots, crown, stem, tubers, etc.).

Yet another exemplary embodiment provides a seed pod, seed cone,planting cone and/or planting system that can be configured asindividual units or assembled into a conglomeration of different unitscomprising the same or different seed pod, seed cone, planting coneand/or planting system. This assembly may be packaged into a tray.

Yet another exemplary embodiment provides a seed pod, seed cone,planting cone and/or planting system that may be used in a method ofplanting a seed.

Another exemplary embodiment includes a method of growing plants usingthe seed pod, seed cone, planting cone and/or planting system.

Yet another exemplary embodiment is a seed pod, seed cone, plantingcone, and/or planting system that is integrated, adapted, and/orpackaged together with an indoor growing unit, such that the indoorgrowing unit readily accommodates the seed pod, seed cone, plantingcone, and/or planting system to provide sufficient light and a watersource for the establishment of a plant. The indoor growing unit isconfigured to include an adjustable light source as well as an integralwater supply. The seed pod, seed cone, planting cone, and/or plantingsystem may be placed into holders included with the indoor growing unitto facilitate the growth of the seed(s).

Exemplary embodiments include a plant growing system having abiodegradable outer shell, a rooting media, a fertilizer or nutrient,seeds, and a removable lid. The outer shell is formed from a moldedmaterial, a formed material, a composted material, a shaped material, orcombinations thereof; and the rooting media includes soil, coir,vermiculite, compost, perlite, bark fines, peat, wood shavings, mulch,or combinations thereof.

Another exemplary embodiment is a system that includes a base plate, anadjustable lighting fixture that overhangs the base plate, one or moregrowing containers that fit within the base, and a water reservoir thatautomatically dispenses water to the one or more growing containers viathe base plate. Additionally the system may include one or more podtrays for use with the growing containers.

Another exemplary embodiment includes a method of using the indoorgrowing unit. Seed pods or seeds are planted in the indoor growing unit.The seed pods are placed in a pod tray in a growing container. Seeds areplanted directly into a growing container into an appropriate growingmedia contained in the growing container. The seed pods or seedsgerminate with the unit providing light and water. Plants started in theunit can be either transplanted outdoors, or can be grown directly toharvest. Alternatively, the stand and lighting fixture may be removedand the base plate, water reservoir, and growing containers may betransported outside for continued growing.

Yet another exemplary embodiment is a system that includes a base plate,an adjustable lighting fixture that overhangs the base plate, one ormore growing containers that fit within the base, and a water reservoirthat automatically dispenses water to the one or more growing containersvia the base plate. Additionally the system may include one or more podtrays for use with the growing containers. The system may also includeone or more capillary mats located in the bottom of the growingcontainers to facilitate the wicking or transport of water from the baseplate to one or more seed pods located in a pod tray that is seated inthe growing container. The capillary mat may be held in place with asecuring mechanism that mates with the growing container. An optionalbridge piece may be used as an interface between the capillary mat andthe pod tray to further facilitate transport of the water to the seedpod in the pod tray.

Exemplary embodiments include a plant system having a biodegradableouter shell, a rooting media, a fertilizer or nutrient, seeds, and aremovable lid, with the outer shell comprising a molded material, aformed material, a composted material, a shaped material, orcombinations thereof; and the rooting media including soil, coir,vermiculite, compost, perlite, bark fines, peat, wood shavings, mulch,or combinations thereof.

Another exemplary embodiment includes a system, having a base plate; astand; an adjustable lighting fixture that overhangs the base plate andis attached to the stand; one or more growing containers that fit withinthe base plate.

Another exemplary embodiment includes a method of planting a seed thatincludes pushing the planting system into a planting surface, andwatering said plant growing system, where the planting system is pushedinto a prepared surface, into a surface adapted for receiving theplanting system, or into an unprepared surface.

Yet another exemplary embodiment includes a method of growing a gardenthat includes planting the plant growing system and watering said plantgrowing system.

These and other embodiments and advantages of the preferred embodiments,not specifically mentioned above, will be apparent to those of ordinaryskill in the art having the present drawings, specifications, andclaims. It is intended that all such additional embodiments andadvantages be included within this description, be within the scope ofthe disclosure and be protected by the preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

FIG. 1 depicts an exploded view of the components of a planting systemaccording to exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 2 depicts an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of aplanting system according to exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of a planting system according toexemplary embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view thereof.

FIG. 5 is a rear elevational view thereof.

FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view thereof.

FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of a planting system depicting a layerof the top cover pulled back according to exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of a second embodiment of a plantingsystem depicting a layer of the top cover pulled back according toexemplary embodiments.

FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of a planting system with the topcover and the internal plug removed according to exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of a planting system with the topcover removed depicting the internal plug according to exemplaryembodiments.

FIG. 11 is a top plan view thereof.

FIG. 12 depicts a perspective view of the internal plug removed from theplanting system according to exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 13 is a front elevational view thereof.

FIG. 14 is a top plan view thereof.

FIG. 15 is a bottom plan view thereof.

FIG. 16 depicts a perspective view of a planting system with the topcover removed and a second embodiment of the internal plug.

FIG. 17 depicts a top view thereof.

FIG. 18 depicts a perspective view of the second embodiment of theinternal plug removed from the planting system.

FIG. 19 is a rear elevational view thereof.

FIG. 20 is a top plan view thereof.

FIG. 21 is a bottom plan view thereof.

FIG. 22 depicts a perspective view of a third embodiment of the internalplug removed from the planting system.

FIG. 23 is a rear elevational view thereof.

FIG. 24 depicts a cut-away view thereof.

FIG. 25 depicts a perspective view of fourth embodiment of the internalplug removed from the planting system.

FIG. 26 depicts a cut-away view thereof.

FIG. 27 depicts a perspective view of the planting system in a carryingtray according to exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 28 depicts a perspective view of the planting system in a secondcarrying tray according to exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 29 depicts a perspective view of the planting system in a thirdcarrying tray according to exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 30 depicts a perspective view of the planting system in a fourthcarrying tray according to exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 31 depicts a perspective view of the planting system in a fifthcarrying tray according to exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 32 depicts a perspective view of the planting system in a sixthcarrying tray according to exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 33 depicts an exploded view of an indoor growing unit according toexemplary embodiments.

FIG. 34 depicts a front perspective view of thereof.

FIG. 35 depicts a rear perspective view thereof.

FIG. 36 depicts a perspective view of a cloche according to exemplaryembodiments.

FIG. 37 depicts a perspective view of a pod tray according to exemplaryembodiments.

FIG. 38 depicts a perspective view of a growing container according toexemplary embodiments.

FIG. 39 depicts a perspective view of a base plate according toexemplary embodiments.

FIG. 40 depicts a perspective view of a stand according to exemplaryembodiments.

FIG. 41 depicts a perspective view of a water reservoir according toexemplary embodiments.

FIG. 42 depicts a front perspective view of a second embodiment of anindoor growing unit according to exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 43 depicts a front perspective view of a third embodiment of anindoor growing unit according to exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 44 depicts a front perspective view of a fourth embodiment of anindoor growing unit according to exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 45 is an exploded parts view showing the components of a fifthembodiment of an indoor growing unit according to exemplary embodiments

FIG. 46 is a front perspective view of thereof.

FIG. 47 is a rear perspective view thereof.

FIG. 48 is a front perspective view thereof with the pod trays from thegrowing trays removed.

FIG. 49 is a front perspective view thereof with two of the growingtrays removed and the pod tray removed.

FIG. 50 is a front perspective view of a sixth embodiment of an indoorgrowing unit according to exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 51 is a cross-sectional view of a growing tray and a pod tray witha capillary mat according to exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 52 is an exploded parts view of the components thereof according toexemplary embodiments.

FIG. 53 is a cross-sectional view of thereof.

FIG. 54 is an exploded parts view of another embodiment of thecomponents of a growing tray according to exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 55 is a graph demonstrating the germination of basil in seed podscomprising either (i) loose coir or (ii) a molded plug, at variousplanting depths according to exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 56 is a graph demonstrating the germination of basil in seed podscomprising either (i) loose coir or (ii) a molded plug, at variousplanting depths according to exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 57 is a comparison of the moisture wicking capabilities of the seedpods at various soil depths according to exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 58 is a graph comparing percent germination of the seed pod rootingmedia as a function of time.

FIG. 59 is a front perspective view of a seventh embodiment of an indoorgrowing unit according to exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 60 is an exploded parts view thereof.

FIG. 61 is a cut-away view of the growing tray thereof with one growingtray removed.

FIG. 62 is a second cut-away view of the growing tray thereof with onegrowing tray and the seed pods removed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art thatthe preferred embodiments described herein are capable of broad utilityand application. Accordingly, while exemplary embodiments describedherein in detail in relation to the exemplary embodiments, it is to beunderstood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary ofembodiments, and is made to provide an enabling disclosure of theexemplary embodiments. The disclosure is not intended to be construed tolimit the embodiments or otherwise to exclude any other suchembodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications and equivalentarrangements.

The figures depict various functionalities and features associated withexemplary embodiments. While a single illustrative feature, device, orcomponent is shown, these illustrative features, devices, or componentsmay be multiplied for various applications or different applicationenvironments. In addition, the features, devices, or components may befurther combined into a consolidated unit or divided into sub-units.Further, while a particular structure or type of feature, device, orcomponent is shown, this structure is meant to be exemplary andnon-limiting, as other structure may be able to be substituted toperform the functions described.

It has been found in accordance exemplary embodiments that the seed pod,seed cone, planting cone and/or planting system provides for an easy,productive, and efficient means for growing plants. When inserted into asurface, the seed pod, seed cone, planting cone and/or planting systemis able to produce plants without the difficulty, confusion, andinconvenience of planting individual seeds into the planting surface.

Exemplary embodiments simplify and remove the general difficultiesexperienced by novice and seasoned gardeners. These difficulties mightinclude the depth of seed placement, the distance between seeds, thetype of fertilizer or nutrient required for proper plant growth, theamount of nutrient need for plant growth, the amount of water needed forplant growth, and the general trial and error associated with gardening.The seed pod, seed cone, planting cone and/or planting system removesthe guess work out of gardening and only requires inserting the seedpod, seed cone, planting cone and/or planting system into a surface andwatering.

A. Definitions

“Seed pod,” “seed cone,” “planting cone,” and “planting system”(hereafter collectively referred to as “seed pod”) refer to an assemblyor system according to exemplary embodiments that includes an outershell, plant growing or rooting media housed within the outer shell,seed(s) of plant(s), fertilizer or nutrients, and a lid. The seed podmay be a plant growing system. An exemplary representation of a seed podaccording to exemplary embodiments is depicted, for example, in FIGS.1-11 and 16-17.

“Outer shell” refers to an outer layer which has an apex at the bottomand an opening at the top to allow insertion of the plant growing mediaor rooting media. An exemplary representation of an outer shell can beseen, for example, in FIGS. 1 and 2, for example.

“Triangular acorn shape” is the shape assumed by the seed pod, seedcone, planting cone and/or planting system and as referenced in FIGS.1-10, for example.

“Plant growing media,” “rooting media,” or “inner plug,” (hereaftercollectively referred to as “rooting media”) refer to a media in which aseed(s) is placed and allowed to germinate into a plant and is housedwithin the outer shell. An exemplary representation of an inner plug canbe seen in FIGS. 12-15 and 18-26, for example.

“Dibbles,” “recesses,” “concavities,” or “holes” (hereafter collectivelyreferred to as “dibbles”) refer to a depression of shallow to mediumdepth formed in a surface. An exemplary representation of a dibble canbe seen, for example, on the tops of the rooting media, in FIGS. 1, 2,12, 18, and 26, for example.

“Indoor growing unit,” “indoor planting unit,” and the like refer to aunit and/or system configured to be used indoors to germinate and/orgrow plants. The unit is designed to be modular, self-contained, andhouse or provide the necessary growing conditions for plants (e.g.,light, water, fertilizer, soil, etc.), such as through the use of a seedpod or planting system as defined above. The use of a seed pod is notrequired however, as seeds may be planted directly into growing mediacontained within the indoor growing unit. An exemplary embodiments ofthe indoor growing unit can be seen, for example, in FIGS. 33, 42, 43,44, 46, 50, and 59.

FIGS. 1-11 depict a seed pod 100 according to exemplary embodiments. Theseed pod 100 may have a lid 102, rooting media 106, and an outer shell114. The lid 102 may be made of one or more layers 104, such as 104A and104B. The lid 102 seals the contents of the seed pod 100 within theouter shell 114. The lid 102 may be made of a biodegradable material andis configured to fit onto the outer shell 114, fit into the outer shell114, or be adhered onto a flange 116 of the outer shell 114. The top ofthe lid layers 104 may be constructed such that the top layer 104A maybe peeled back to reveal a second layer 104B. The second layer 104B mayhave printed instructions thereon or other information relating to theseed pod 100 and its use. The use of multiple layers according toexemplary embodiments allows for a consumer to review informationrelating to seed pod 100 while enabling the seed pod 100 to remainsealed. According to exemplary embodiments, the seed pod 100 may be 94%biodegradable.

The outer shell 114 provides a protective housing unit for the rootingmedia 106, the seed(s) 112, and fertilizer 118 and/or nutrient 118 fromthe external environment surrounding the seed pod 100.

The rooting media 106 has one or more dibbles 110 and external ribs 108.In between each of the external ribs 108 is a gap 109. The rooting media106 may be formed or shaped into a cone, spike, acorn, triangular acorn,or flower pot. Exemplary embodiments of the rooting media 106A, 106B,106C, and 106D can be found in FIGS. 12-15, 18-26, respectively.

B. Outer Shell

The outer shell 114 of the seed pod 100 provides a protective housingunit for the rooting media 106, the seed or seeds 112, and fertilizer118 and/or nutrient 118 from the external environment surrounding theseed pod 100. During the early stages of plant growth, the seed pod 100creates a microenvironment with sufficient nutrients to allow for thesuccessful germination of the plant. Additionally, the outer shell 114is configured in such a manner that it provides a mechanism or platformfor inserting the seed(s) 112 into the planting surface. However, afterthe initial germination process, the outer shell 114 should be capableof allowing the growing plant to take root in the surrounding externalenvironment. Thus, the outer shell 114 may be sufficiently rigid forinitial insertion and protection of the young seed 112 and alsopermeable enough to allow the growing plant to take root in thesurrounding environment.

As described above, the outer shell 114 should be sufficiently rigid andalso biodegradable to allow for root penetration. The materials that aresuitable for accomplishing this object may include formed, moldable,composted, and/or shapeable materials. Such materials may includemanure, peat moss, brown sugarcane fibers, coir, corn stover, sunflowerstem, white sugarcane fibers or combinations thereof. In one embodiment,the outer shell 114 is composed of a formed, molded, and/or compostedmaterial. This might include composted and molded or formed peat moss.In another embodiment, the outer shell 114 is composed of formed ormolded manure. Manure can be derived from any animal source, but in oneembodiment, the manure is derived from a cow, bull, or horse, preferablya cow. In another embodiment, the outer shell 114 is composed ofmaterial derived from poultry feathers. It should be appreciated thatthe materials used in the fabrication of the outer shell 114 can also bederived from organic and/or natural sources. As such, plants orvegetables that germinate from the seed pod 100 may be classified andrated as organic.

The outer shell 114 of the seed pod 100 is designed to be inserted intoa surface. For example, the surface may be soil. Typically, gardenersdesire to pre-dig a hole in the planting surface to accommodate a plantor seed 112. The outer shell 114 eliminates the need, in some instances,for pre-digging a hole to receive the seed pod 100. This is accomplishedby forming the outer shell 114 into a specific shape that optimizespenetration into a surface, such as, but not limited to, dirt, soil,container, raised bed, clay, rocks, gravel, sand, or a tray specificallyadapted to receive the seed pod 100. As such, various shapes of theouter shell 114 may be used to meet this function.

In one embodiment, the outer shell 114 is shaped like a cone, an acorn,or a combination thereof. It has been found that when the outer shell114 is shaped as a cone, it provides the best penetration of the seedpod 100 into the planting surface. It has also been found that when theouter shell 114 of the seed pod 100 is shaped as an acorn, it providesthe best surface area for germinating the seed. Accordingly, exemplaryembodiments seek to combine the benefits of both the cone shape and theacorn shaped. Thus, in an embodiment, the seed pod 100 is shaped as atriangular acorn shape.

The overall thickness of the outer shell 114 plays an important role inthe establishment and/or growth of the seed 112 in the seed pod 100. Tooptimize the protective environment of the outer shell 114, while alsoallowing penetration of the roots from a growing plant, the outer shell114 may have a particular thickness that withstands insertion into theplanting surface and allows for root penetration. In an embodiment, thethickness of the outer shell 114 is conserved throughout the entireouter shell 114. This thickness may be in the range of about 0.025 to0.25 inches, more preferably in the range of about 0.05 to about 0.15inches, and even more preferably in the range of about 0.09 to about0.13 inches. In another embodiment, the thickness of the outer shell 114may also be in the range of about 0.08 to about 0.11 inches. In yetanother embodiment, the thickness of the outer shell 114 is 0.11 inches.

Because soil or dirt may differ from region to region, insertion of theseed pod 100 into the planting surface may cause the outer shell 114 tocollapse or crack upon insertion. Accordingly, the tip or apex 115 ofthe outer shell 114 may be reinforced. One type of reinforcement is toprovide a thicker apex or tip 115 such that when the tip 115 of theouter shell 114 is inserted into the planting surface, it is more rigidthan the remainder of the outer shell 114 and is capable of withstandinga greater impact force. Thus, in one embodiment, the tip 115 of theouter shell 114 is fabricated or molded by thickening only the tipportion and graduating the sides of the outer shell 114 with lessthickness, such that it preserves the ability of the plant to extend itsroots. Alternatively, the tip 115 may be reinforced with a thickeningagent or solidifying agent, such that it is sufficiently rigid when dry,but biodegradable after sufficient hydration or moisture.

The seed pod 100 can be virtually any circumference. It should beappreciated that the potential size of the plant generated from the seed112 as well as the nutritional requirements of the seed may dictate theoverall circumferential size of the seed pod 100. Thus, some of thefactors that may dictate the circumference of the seed pod 100 mayinclude, for example, the amount of fertilizer 118 or nutrient 118supply provided in the seed pod 100, the types of seeds 112 planted, orthe types of plant that germinates from the seed pod 100. The foregoinglist of factors is not intended to be an exhaustive list of factors, buta representation of some of the factors that may dictate thecircumferential size of the outer shell 114.

Proper depth placement also plays an important role in the successfulgermination of a seed. To aid in this process, the seed pod 100integrates a seed depth indicator into the outer shell 114. In oneembodiment, the seed depth indicator is the flange 116 that is locatedat the top of the seed pod 100. The flange 116 forms a lip that guidesthe user to insert the seed pod 100 to the proper seed 112 depth. Byinserting the pod 100 until the flange 116 is level with the surroundingsoil or dirt, it will indicate to the user that the seed 112 has beenproperly positioned for optimal seed germination and growth. Thus, inone embodiment, the flange 116 extends along the top of the entireperiphery of the outer shell 114. The flange 116 may also serve as anarea or surface onto which the lid 102 is fastened, secured, or adhered.

C. Rooting Media

FIGS. 12-15 and 18-26 depict exemplary embodiments of rooting media 106.Located and housed within the outer shell 114 is the rooting media 106which provides a substrate in which the seed will grow. The rootingmedia 106 may be made of a variety of materials. These might include,for example, coir (compressed, non-compressed, screened, coir dust,and/or coir pith), peat, peat moss (for example, sphagnum peat moss),peat humus, vermiculite, compost perlite, bark, bark fines, compostedbark fines, wood shavings, saw dust, mulch, a modified cornstarch, cornstover, sunflower stem, composted rice hulls, reed sedge peat, compostedmanure, composted forest products, coffee grounds, composted paperfiber, digested manure fiber, composted tea leaves, bagasse, yard wastecompost, cotton derivatives, wood ash, bark ash, vegetative by-products,agricultural by-products, or combinations thereof. In other embodiments,the rooting media may include fertilizers or fertilizing agents. Thesematerials may also be formed and/or molded into a solid form. In anembodiment, the rooting media 106 is molded into a cone, acorn,triangular acorn, flower pot, or spike form. In another embodiment, therooting media 106 is the Q-PLUG® or EXCEL-PLUG® manufactured and sold byInternational Horticultural Technologies, Inc. Hollister, Calif. 95024.In another embodiment, the Q-PLUG® or EXCEL-PLUG® is molded and shapedinto a cone, acorn, triangular acorn, flower pot, or spike shape. Inanother embodiment, the molded and/or formed rooting media 106 isadapted to fully or partially fill the interior space defined by theouter shell 114. Thus, in one embodiment, the rooting media 106 may beformed or shaped into a truncated cone, spike, acorn, triangular acorn,or flower pot such that it leaves a void at the bottom interior space ofthe outer shell 114. Similar to the outer shell 114, the components ofthe rooting media 106 may be derived from natural or organic sources. Assuch, plants or vegetables that are produced from the seed pods 100 maybe classified and rated as organic.

Exemplary embodiments include a rooting media 106 in which the molded orformed shape provides a means to control and retain water for anextended period of time. The rooting media 106 has been shaped andconfigured to comprise external ribs that create pockets or channelsbetween the inner wall of the outer shell 114 and the rooting media 106.In one embodiment, the external ribs 108 are adapted to frictionallyengage the interior wall of the outer shell 114 such that it holds therooting media 106 in place, and/or permits the migration of water into alower interior chamber, which is created by a truncated rooting media106. In another embodiment, the external ribs 108 form open channels orgaps 109 that allow the flow of water to the bottom of the seed pod 100.In yet another embodiment, the external ribs 108 form closed channelsthat reduce the flow of water to the bottom of the seed pod 100. In yetanother embodiment, the external ribs 108 form closed channels that openat the top and continue for only part of the length of the inner wall ofthe outer shell 114.

Without being bound by any particular theory, the channels created bythe external ribs 108 allow the flow of water to rooting media 106 aswell as the outer shell 114. This provides an accelerated hydration ofthe entire seed pod 100 that allows for enhanced or rapid germination ofa seed 112. In one embodiment, the shaped and molded rooting media 106comprises between 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and16 external ribs 108 or gaps 109. In another embodiment, the shaped andmolded rooting media 106 may comprise 4 external ribs 108 or gaps 109.

The external ribs 108 and gaps 109 may also provide other functions.First, the external ribs 108 may act as friction points with the outershell 114 to prevent the rooting media 106 from falling out when it isdry. Second, the gaps 109 may provide water channels and water retentionwithin the channels during the watering and growing phases of the seed.When users water the seed pod 100, water will travel through thechannels and fill the fertilizer area that is located beneath therooting media 106 in the apex 115 of the seed pod 100. As wateraccumulates, the water will travel back through the channels and mayaccumulate in these channels until it is further absorbed by either theseed, rooting media 106, or fertilizer 118, or diffuses out of the seedpod 100. Third, it serves a functional role by preventing buoyancy ofthe rooting media 106 from lifting out of the outer shell 114. The gaps109 act as air release valves which allow pressure within the fertilizerchamber to be released.

In another embodiment, the rooting media 106 may be recessed from thetop flange 116 of the outer shell 114 to provide a water holdingreservoir. While not being bound by any particular theory, as a userwaters the seed pod 100, the recessed area may hold additionalquantities of water that will funnel through the channels created by theexternal ribs 108 molded into the rooting media. This reservoir providesextended hydration to the seeds 112 within the seed pod 100. In anotherembodiment, the rooting media 106 may comprise a water absorbent polymerto aid in the retention of water over a duration of time.

According to exemplary embodiments, the rooting media 106 may comprisedibbles 110 that provide areas for seed positioning, housing, orreceiving. It should be appreciated that the number of dibbles 110 madein the rooting media 106 will depend on the seed 112 types planted. Inan embodiment, there are three dibbles 110 in the surface of the rootingmedia 106, such as shown in FIG. 1, for example. In yet anotherembodiment, there may be two dibbles 110 in the surface, such as shownin FIG. 22, for example. Other numbers and configurations of dibbles arepossible. In another embodiment the rooting media 106 may comprise slitsfor positioning, housing or receiving a seed 112. In another embodiment,the rooting media 106 may comprise up to four slits.

Once the seed 112 is placed within the dibble 110, the seed may becovered or overlaid by a variety of materials to prevent the seed 112from falling out of the dibble 110. In an embodiment, the cover for thedibble 110 may be a biodegradable plug, a biodegradable lid, a waterpermeable adhesive, coir dust admixed with an adhesive material (e.g.,EnviroHold®, polyvinyl acetate coating, starched based), or combinationsthereof. An exemplary cover 105A is depicted in FIG. 1 in the form of acylindrical plug. This is meant to be exemplary and non-limiting since avariety of cover types and shapes may be used as described herein. Forexample, the cover 105A may be conically shaped or flat. Furthermore, asingle cover 105A is depicted. It should be appreciated that each of thedibbles 110 may have a cover 105A. In a particular embodiment, the cover105A that overlays each of the dibbles 110 may be inserted into thedibbles 110 and plugged in a wine-cork fashion and held in place byfriction. In another embodiment, the dibble filler, plug, lid, or cover105A may be held in place by an adhesive substance, which may be made ofpolymers or from natural products.

In another exemplary embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 2, a cover 105B forthe dibble may be made of coir fines. The coir fines may be held inplace by an adhesive. The adhesive may be applied using a spray suchthat the coir fines are saturated by the adhesive and held in placethereby. The adhesive may be transparent. The cover 105B depicted inFIG. 2 may cover the majority of the upper surface of rooting media106B. Thus, the coir fines that make up the cover 105B may be applied ina bulk manner during the assembly of the planting system 100. In someembodiments, the cover 105B may be applied to each dibble 110individually and then held in place by adhesive. It should beappreciated that in FIG. 2, only a single seed 112 is depicted forillustrative purposes, however, like FIG. 1 there may be a seed for eachdibble 110. In other embodiments, the cover 105B for the dibble 110 maybe held in place by a mechanical means. In one embodiment the dibblecover 105B may be a biodegradable plug made of peat, coir (compressed,non-compressed, screened, coir dust, and/or coir pith), peat moss (forexample, sphagnum peat moss), peat humus, vermiculite, compost, perlite,bark, bark fines, composted bark fines, wood shavings, saw dust, mulch,a modified cornstarch, corn stover, sunflower stem, composted ricehulls, reed sedge peat, composted manure, composted forest products,coffee grounds, composted paper fiber, digested manure fiber, compostedtea leaves, bagasse, yard waste compost, cotton derivatives, wood ash,bark ash, or biofoam available through Natur-tech (e.g., Natur-technuudles), cookie pellets, vegetative by-products, agriculturalby-products, or combinations thereof, that plugs into the dibbles 110possessing seeds 112. In another embodiment, the dibble cover may be abiodegradable lid made of biofoam, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate,or combinations thereof. In another embodiment, the dibble cover is madeof an adhesive that may be natural or synthetic. These may include forexample, guar gum, pine tar, seed-flour based, starch based adhesives,biofoams, polyvinyl alcohols, cookie meal, molasses, natural rubberemulsions, vegetable oils (e.g., neem oil), gelatins, or combinationsthereof. As indicated above, the rooting media 102, lid 102, and/oradhesive may be composed and constructed of natural or organic materialssuch that the final plant or vegetable product produced from the seedpod 100 may be designated as an organic product. It should beappreciated that the material and type of covering for the dibbles 110may vary and may be freely substituted by any material that comportswith the general concepts described herein. As such, the types andcomponents used to make the dibble covering should not be so limited tothose specifically recited above.

D. Seeds and Other Plant Parts

It should be appreciated that the seed pod 100 may be used to grow andgerminate a wide variety of plants. These plants may generally include,for example, flowers, vegetable, fruits, herbs, grass, trees, orperennial plant parts (e.g., bulbs, tubers, roots, crowns, stems, etc.).Certainly, any plant that a gardener can envision may be incorporatedinto the seed pod 100 according to exemplary embodiments. While it isnot an exhaustive list, the types of plant seeds 112 that may beincluded in the seed pod 100 are globe tomato, cherry tomato, romatomato, cantaloupe, honey dew, jalapeno pepper, sweet pepper, straightcucumber, zucchini, yellow zucchini, watermelon, pumpkin, basil,cilantro, dill, thyme, bush bean, looseleaf lettuce, butterhead lettuce,romaine lettuce, smooth leaf spinach, snap pea, oregano, thyme, mint,radish, eggplant, broccoli, collards, cabbage, leek, zinnia, sunflower,marigold, carrot, corn, beet, parsnip, turnip, swiss chard, fennel,Marjoram, or combinations thereof. In exemplary embodiments, each seedpod 100 may include one or more seeds. As described herein, the seeds112 are placed into the dibble(s) 110, of the rooting media 106.According to exemplary embodiments, one seed 112 may be placed in eachdibble 110.

In another embodiment, the seed 112 may be coated with variousagricultural agents that may help preserve the longevity of the seed112. These coatings may help prevent the dehydration of the seed 112and/or provide protection from various other adverse effects. Thesecoatings may include, for example, fungicides, insecticides, biocides,coatings to promote water absorption and retention, or any otheragricultural agent that is generally known in the art. In an embodiment,the agricultural agents may be organic or naturally derived agents thatare environmentally safe and help attain organic product classification.In one embodiment, the seed may be coated with a fertilizer or afertilizing agent. One of skill in the art would readily understand thatvarious types of fertilizers or fertilizing agents may be coated ontothe seed and these types are generally known in the art. In anotherembodiment, the seed may be coated with agents (e.g., limestone, talc,clay, cellulose or starch) that help to pellet the seed, which resultsin a more uniform seed product.

Seed depth may be a critical component for optimal seed germination.Exemplary embodiments simplify this process by providing a seed pod 100that places the seed 112 at the appropriate depth for consistent seedgermination. Thus in one embodiment, the seed 112 is located at a depthof about 0.125 inches to about 3 inches below the planting surface. Inanother embodiment, the seeds 112 are located at a depth of about 0.125inches to about 3 inches below the top of the seed pod 100. In anotherembodiment, the seeds 112 are located at a depth of about 0.125 inchesto about 0.750 inches below the top of rooting media 106. As describedabove, the flange 116 may provide an aid in proper insertion of the seedpod 100 to an appropriate depth in the surface.

E. Fertilizers and Nutrients

It should be appreciated that any type of fertilizer 118 may be usedwith exemplary embodiments. It is generally understood that fertilizers,fertilizer compositions, nutrients, and/or micronutrients arecompositions comprising food for the plant. Common ingredients withinthe fertilizer 118 include nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (aka NPK)but the fertilizer is not to be limited by the aforementioned. Otheringredients that may be included within the fertilizer 118 includinganhydrous ammonia, urea, methylene ureas, IBDU, ammonium nitrate,calcium sulfate, ammonium sulfate, diammonium phosphate (aka DAP),monoammonium phosphate (MAP), tetrapotassium pyrophosphate (TKPP),muriate of potash, potassium nitrate, potassium magnesium sulfate,triple superphosphate, or combinations or derivatives thereof. Othersecondary nutrients may also be included such as, for example, calcium,magnesium, sulfur, micronutrients such as iron, copper, zinc, manganese,boron, or molybdenum. These fertilizers 118 may come from a variety ofcommercial suppliers. As with other components of the seed pod 100, thefertilizer 118 may be derived from natural or organic sources, such thatthe products established and/or produced from the seed pods 100 may bedesignated and/or classified as organic materials.

The fertilizer or nutrient 118 may also be coated with various coatingmaterials that affect the release rate of the fertilizer or nutrient.These are typically referred to as “controlled release” fertilizers.Common types of these include, inter alia, Osmocote. Methods of makingvarious types of controlled release fertilizers are known in the artsuch as in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,223,518; 3,576,613; 4,019,890; 4,549,897;and 5,186,732, which are incorporated herein by reference.

In another embodiment, the seed pod 100 may additionally include otherbiologically active ingredients. These active ingredients may be addedto control pests or diseases and/or promote plant growth. As such, theseed pods 100 may include, in addition to the fertilizer 118, abiologically active ingredient. These biologically active ingredientsmay include cytokines, natural hormones, fungicides, insecticides,pheromones, biostimulants, acaricides, miticides, nematocides, orcombinations thereof. It should be appreciated that the list of possiblecytokines, natural hormones, fungicides, insecticides, pheromones,biostimulants, acaricides, miticides, nematocides, or combinationsthereof recited herein is not exhaustive and that other compoundsgenerally known in the art may be freely added to the seed pod 100.

In one embodiment, insecticides may include one or more of thefollowing: permethrin, bifenthrin, acetamiprid, carbaryl, imidicloprid,acephate, resmethrin, dimethyl acetylphosphoramidothioate;ethanimidamide, N-{(6-chloro-3-pyridinyl)methyl}-N′-cyano-N-methyl-,(E)-(9C1) (CA Index name); hydrazinecarboxylic acid,2-(4-methoxy{1,1′-biphenyl}-3-YL)-, 1-methylethyl ester (9C1) (CA IndexName); methyl{1,1″-biphenyl}-3-YL)methyl3-(2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoro-1-propenyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylate,[1a,3a-(Z)]-(+/−)-2-methyl[1,1′-biphenyl]-3-yl) methyl3-(2chloro-3,3,3-trifluoro-1-propenyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylatenaphthyl-n-methylcarbamate; pyrrole-3-carbonitrile,4-bromo-2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(ethoxymethyl)-5-(trifluoromethyl);chloro-alpha-(1-methylethyl)benzeneacetic acid,cyano(3-phenoxyphenyl)methyl esteramino-1-(2,6-dichloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-4-(1,R,S)-(trifluoromethyl)sulfinyl)-1H-pyrazole-3-carbonitrile;benzoic acid, 4-chloro-, 2-benzoyl-2-(1,1-dimethylethyl)hydrazide (9C1)(CA Index Name); pyrethrins;deoxy-2,3,4-tri-o-methyl-alpha-L-mannopyranosyl)oxy)-13-{{5-(dimethylamino)tetrahydro-methyl-2H-pyran-2-YL}oxy}-9-ethyl-2,3,3A,5A,5B,6,9,10,11,12,13,14,16A,16B-tetradecahydro-14-methyl-1H-as-indaceno{3,2-D}oxacyclododecin-7,15-dione,(cont'd qual; oxadiazin-4-imine,3-(2-chloro-5-thiazolyl)methylytetrahydro-5-methyl-N-nitro-(9C1) and thelike.

In another embodiment, fungicides for use may include chlorothalonil,triforine, triticonazole, azoxystrobin, mancozeb,tetrachloroisophthalonitrile;ethoxy-3-(trichloromethyl)-1,2,4-thiadiazole;dichlorophenyl)-4-propyl-1,3-dioxolan-2-YL)methyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole;carbamic acid,2-1-(4-chlorophenyl)-1H-pyrazol-3-ylyoxyymethylyphenylymethoxy-methylester (CAS name);dimethyl((1,2-phenylene)bis(iminocarbonothioyl))bis(carbamate) and thelike.

In yet another embodiment, plant growth regulators for use may includeRS,3RS)-1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4,4-dimethyl-2-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-YL)pentan-3-OL;cyclohexanecarboxylic acid,4-(cyclopropylhydroxymethylene)-3,5-dioxo-ethyl ester.

In still another embodiment, other exemplary biologically activeingredients may be utilized in the seed pod 100 including3-indolylacetic acid; abamectine; Acephate; acetamiprid;alpha-Cypermethrin; auxin; azaconazole; azoxystrobin; Beauveriabassiana; Benomyl; beta-Cyfluthrin; bifenthrin; borate; Borax; boricacid; Captan; carbaryl; Chlorothalonil; Cyfluthrin; Deltamethrin;Dichlobenil; difenoconazole; Epoxiconazole; Fipronil; fosetyl-aluminium;gibbereline; gibberella; Imidacloprid; indoxacarb; iprodion; isofenphos;lambda-Cyhalothrin; lindane; malathion; mancozeb; maneb; metalaxyl;metalaxyl-m; metaldehyde; myclobutanil; paclobutrazol; permethrin;picoxystrobin; pyraclostrobin; pyrethrinen; spinosad; streptomycesgriseoviridis; Sulphur; tebuconazole; tefluthrin; trichoderma harianum;trifloxystrobin; trinexapac-ethyl; urea herbicides; vertidllium dahliae;verticillium lecanii; vinclozolin; hydrogenperoxide; Silverthiosulfate;zineb; zincoxide; and the like. As with other components of the seed pod100, the fertilizers, nutrients, additives, or biologically activeingredients may be derived from natural or organic sources, such thatthe products established and/or produced from the seed pods 100 may bedesignated and/or classified as organic materials.

According to exemplary embodiments, the fertilizer or nutrient 118 maybe placed within the outer shell 114 at the bottom portion thereof. Itshould be appreciated that the fertilizer 118 will provide nutrients tothe seed by absorption through the rooting media 106. Various types offertilizer 118 can be used at the bottom of the seed pod 100. These mayinclude controlled release fertilizers, time released fertilizers, watersoluble fertilizers, coated fertilizers, uncoated fertilizers, or nofertilizer. In one embodiment, the fertilizer 118 is molded or formedprills, loose prills, or combinations thereof. In another embodiment,the fertilizer 118 may be molded Osmocote® or loose Osmocote®. In oneembodiment, the fertilizer or nutrient may be coated directly onto theseed.

In another embodiment, the fertilizer 118 found in the seed pod 100 maybe located at the bottom of the outer shell 114, admixed with therooting media 106, or combinations thereof. In another embodiment, thefertilizer 118 may additionally include secondary nutrients (e.g.,sulfur, calcium, or magnesium) and/or micronutrients, which areconventional and generally known and understood by in the art. Inanother embodiment, the fertilizer 118 may be incorporated andintercalated into the outer shell 114 of the seed pod 100. In yetanother embodiment, the fertilizer 118 may be found within the outershell 114 of the seed pod 100. In still another embodiment, thefertilizer 118 may be attached to the exterior of the outer shell 114.

The Osmocote® is a mixture of NPKs. In one embodiment, the NPK is placedin the bottom of the seed pod 100. The NPK can be in any ratio. In oneembodiment, the nitrogen of the NPK may be in the range of 1-18, thephosphorus of the NPK may be in the range of 1-6, while the potassium ofthe NPK may be in the range of 1-12, or any fractional or whole numberrange therein. In another embodiment, the NPK may be in a ratio of1-1-1, 3-1-2, 1-2-1, 1-3-1, 4-1-2, 2-1-2, 2-1-1, or 18-6-12. In anotherembodiment, the NPK is in a ratio of 3-1-2. It should be appreciatedthat other ratios of NPK may be substituted depending on the nutritionalneeds of the particular plant being grown. The total amount offertilizer 118 located at the bottom of the seed pod 100 can be in therange of approximately 1-5 grams. In one embodiment the fertilizer 118is 3 grams of Osmocote 18-6-12. In another embodiment the supply offertilizer 118 and/or nutrient 118 present in the seed pod 100 issufficient for a duration of approximately 1-100 days. In oneembodiment, the amount of fertilizer 118 and/or nutrient 118 present issufficient for a period of approximately 30 days.

F. Lids

During the storage and transport of the seed pod 100, the inner contentsof the seed pod 100 should be protected. This may be accomplished byutilizing a lid or cover 102, as depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8, for example.Various embodiments for the lid 102 are possible. For example, the lid102 may be a removable lid that the end user removes prior to or afterplanting the seed pod 100. In another embodiment, the lid 102 may be abiodegradable lid that may or may not be removed after planting the seedpod 100 into the planting surface. The lid 102 may be affixed to theflange 116 of the outer shell 114 by an adhesive. The adhesive may be anatural or synthetic adhesive. In an embodiment, if the lid 102 isremoved from the seed pod 100, the act of removing the lid 102 mayremove all or most of the adhesive material.

Various materials may be used to make the lid 102. In one embodiment,the lid 102 is a removable or biodegradable lid. The lid 102 may be madeof a material such as, but not limited to, paper, paper board, fiberbased, a biofilm, polymer based, plastic, aluminum, polyvinyl alcohol,polypropylene, starch, parafin based material, or combinations thereof.

In another embodiment, the lid 102 provides the user with printedinstructions for planting the seed pod 100. In another embodiment, thelid 102 provides a plant identification marker, such that when the seedpod 100 is planted, it identifies the type of seed 112 planted. Inanother embodiment, there may be one or more lids 102 present on theseed pod 100.

In another embodiment, the lid 102 may be comprised of layers 104 whichallow the user to peel back one layer 104A to reveal a second layer 104Bcontaining printed instructions for planting the seed pod 100 or a plantidentification marker, while keeping the seed pod 100 sealed.

G. Seed Pod Kits

FIGS. 27-32 depict exemplary embodiments 120A, 120B, 120C, 120D, 120E,and 120F of a carrying tray 120. The carrying tray 120 provides forappropriate placement of seed pod 100 by a specified or predetermineddistance in the planting surface. According to an exemplary embodiment,the seed pod 100 may be sold and packaged individually or conglomeratedinto a seed pod kit comprising several seed pods of the same ordifferent type (e.g., comprising different seed types). The kits orpackages may comprise a template, tray, carrying tray or folder thatprovides, inter alia, appropriate placement of seed pod by distance inthe planting surface. The carrying tray may be made of cardboard oranother appropriate material. Thus, in an embodiment, the carrying trayholding the seed pods is specifically adapted to hold one or more seedpods 100. The carrying tray may further comprise a handle, instruction,and/or measuring device or ruler. In an embodiment, the carrying traymay be placed onto a surface to provide a guide for the placement of theseed pods 100. Exemplary representations of the carrying tray 120A,120B, 120C, 120D, 120E, and 120F can be seen in FIGS. 27-32. A measuringdevice or ruler may provide for the proper distance between the seedpods 100 that are to be pushed into the surface. This measuring devicemay be incorporated into the carrying tray.

H. Methods of Planting and Growing a Seed

Exemplary embodiments envision various methods of utilizing the seed pod100. In an embodiment, a method of growing a plant comprising plantingthe plant growing system and watering said plant growing system is used.Such a method envisions growing the seed 112 such that the germinatedseed may be subsequently transplanted. In another embodiment, a methodof planting includes pushing a plant seed pod 100 into a surface,without the need for digging a hole, and watering the inserted seed pod100. In another embodiment, planting the seed pod 100 requires preparinga surface adapted to receive the seed pod 100.

I. Indoor Growing Unit

The seed pod may also be paired with an indoor growing unit according toexemplary embodiments as described above and depicted in FIGS. 33, 42,43, 44, 46, 50, and 59, for example.

The indoor growing unit 300 may have a stand 304, a light source 302, abase plate 308, one or more growing containers 310, one or more clochesor covers 312 to cover the growing containers 310, one or more pod trays314 which fit in the growing containers 310, and a water reservoir 318.The unit is designed to incorporate these elements into a compact designsuitable for placement on a kitchen counter. For example, the system maybe placed on a kitchen counter under upper cabinets so as not to impedethe most readily accessible work surface.

The indoor growing unit 300 is designed to start plants from a seedindoors, such as, for example, in a consumer's home. Plants can bestarted in the unit 300 and later be transplanted outdoors, or can begrown directly to harvest. For example, plants suitable for transplantinclude tomatoes and peppers, and plants that may be grown to harvestinclude salad greens and herbs. The unit 300 is designed to functionwith the seed pods 100 as described above, and also, according toexemplary embodiments, be used with seeds 112, such as plain vegetableseeds, that may also be planted directly into the unit into anappropriate growing media in the growing container 310. The indoorgrowing unit 300 is configured such that the seed pods 100 as describedabove can be placed either into a pod tray 314 or seeds 112 can beplaced into the growing container 310 directly into appropriate growingmedia, such as soil, and then using the integrated light source 302 andwater reservoir 318 the plant seeds 112 can be germinated and grown. Itshould be appreciated that the seed pods 100 or seeds 112 can be placeddirectly into growing media 310.

The indoor growing unit 300 is designed to be modular and transportable.For example, the base plate 308 with the water reservoir 318, growingcontainer(s) 310 and pod tray(s) 314 may be removed from the stand 304and light unit 302 for transport and/or use. For example, the base plate308 may be used outdoors as a self-watering growing unit. Being usedoutdoors, the light source 302 may not be required. Additionally, thebase plate 308 and/or growing containers 310, with or without pod trays314, may be taken outside to adapt seedlings to temperatures andsunlight in preparation for transplant. Furthermore, this modularityallows for removal of the base plate 308 or individual growingcontainers 310 for easier access to plants for harvest. For example,easier access to plants for harvest, such as lettuces and herbs, may beprovided by this modularity. Each growing container 310 is covered witha cloche or cover 312. According to exemplary embodiments, the cloche312 is transparent and provides a way to retain moisture (e.g., maintainhumidity) and heat within the growing container 310 to contribute to afavorable growth atmosphere for the seeds 112 in the seed pod 100 ordirectly planted in the growing container 310.

The unit 300 has a light unit 302 that is attached to a stand 304through a post assembly 306. The light unit 302 may be removably mountedto the post assembly 306. The post assembly 306 is detachably mated withthe stand 304. The stand 304 may have trough 326 which may be used tocontain decorative elements or provide added storage space. For example,the trough 326 may be filled with rocks or other items, such as, extrapods or harvesting shears. Alternatively, the stand 304 may lack thetrough 326. The trough 326 may be of a closed construction whichprecludes the placement of rocks or other items therein. The unit 300may be composed primarily of plastic, such as ABS. Alternativeembodiments may be composed of other durable materials, such as metal,or combinations of materials, such as metal and plastic.

The stand or base 304 of the indoor growing unit includes a base plate308, a water reservoir 318, one or more growing containers 310, and oneor more pod trays 308 in the growing containers 310. The growingcontainers 310 and water reservoir 318 may fit tightly over the baseplate 308 to further minimize light exposure to the water in the baseplate 308 to help prevent algal growth. For example, there may be threegrowing containers 310. Each growing container 310 can be configured tocontain a number of seed pods 100 using the pod tray 314. For example,the pod tray 314 may be configured to contain up to six seed pods 100.The growing containers 310 and pod trays 314 are both removable. Amoisture indicator may be used. The moisture indicator may be placedinto one or more seed pods or soil in the growing container 310(depending how the unit is configured) to indicate the moisture levelwhich may provide an indication of the water status of the unit.

The indoor growing unit 300 may be configured such that assemblyrequires no tools and parts are easily snapped together and taken apart.Once transplanting or harvesting has occurred, the entire system can bedisassembled for cleaning. For example, the base plate 308, the podtrays 314, and the growing containers 310 can be washed and reused forthe next growing cycle to prevent contamination. The parts of the indoorgrowing unit 300, such as the base plate 308, the pod trays 314, and thegrowing containers 310 may be dishwasher safe.

The indoor growing unit 300 has a base plate 308. The base plate 308, asdepicted in FIG. 39, is configured to fit over the inner two projections324 of the stand 304 as depicted in FIG. 33, which show this integrationand FIG. 40 shows the stand 304 with the inner two projections 324. Thebase plate 308 is configured to accommodate at least one growingcontainer 310. According to exemplary embodiments, three growingcontainers 310 may be used with the base plate 308. Each growingcontainer 310 may have a cover or grow dome 312. As depicted in FIG. 36,the cover 312 may be transparent. The cover 312 may be made of plasticor another suitable material. Within each growing container 310, may bea pod tray 314. The pod tray 314 may be configured to hold a pluralityof seed pods. For example, each pod tray 314 may hold up to six seedpods 100. The base plate 308 has a water tank or reservoir 318. Itshould be appreciated that each growing container 310, each cover 312,each pod tray 314, and the water reservoir 318 may be removable from thebase plate 308.

According to exemplary embodiments, the indoor growing unit 300 isdesigned to meet plant physiological needs and may have two, T-5 lightsin the light unit 302 that provide the proper light quality and quantityfor best plant growth. The lights may be programmable to run for aparticular length of time, without the need for manually turning on/offof the lights. For example, the lights may run on 16 hour days with anightly rest period to support plant photosynthesis and respirationneeds. The light hood is adjustable, allowing the light to easily bemoved to the proper distance above the growing portion or plant canopyfor optimum growing conditions.

The light unit 302 may be movable on the post assembly 306 such that thevertical height of the light unit 302 may be adjusted. For example, thelight unit 302 may be adjustable using a ratchet type system.Furthermore, the light unit 302 may be movable in other axes to allowpositioning the light unit 302. The light unit 302 has, on itsunderside, one or more light sources. The light sources may be lightbulbs or tubes as appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. Thelight unit 302 may accommodate differing types of light sources such asfluorescent, LED, halogen, and incandescent. Specialized agriculturaland/or horticultural lights may be used. For example, the light unit mayhave two lights that are grow lights that offer full spectrum lightingin the appropriate temperature to support plant growth. The two lightsmay have a color temperature appropriate for plant growth. For example,the lights may be T5HO lights from Sunblaster, Inc. According toexemplary embodiments, the lights may be 24 watts and have a colortemperature of 6400K. In some embodiments, other types of lights may beused that operate at other wattages and color temperature. For example,2700K or 10,000K T5 type lights may be used. The lights used in thelight unit 302 may be white lights but it should be appreciated thatother colors may be used as appropriate.

The light unit 302 may have one or more reflectors. The reflectors maybe made of plastic and may be lined with a reflective material, such as,for example, a Mylar material. The reflector may be configured to mimicthe curvature of the T-5 bulb, effectively reflecting the light downwardtowards the growing containers. For example, the light unit 302 may havetwo reflectors, one for each of the two light bulbs. For example, a T5HOnanotech reflector from Sunblaster, Inc. may be used with each light. Itshould be appreciated that other types of reflectors may be used.

The light unit 302 may be powered through a power source. For example,the light unit 302 may have a power cord (not shown), which may becontained within the stand/or post assembly, for plugging into anoutlet. The light unit may incorporate a mechanism, such as anelectronic or mechanical timer, for programming the on/off light periodautomatically.

The light unit 302 has a hood portion 303 that encloses the lights. Thehood portion 303 may adjustable by tilting the hood 303 up and slidingit up and down along the neck 306. The neck 306 has notches that allowthe hood 303 to be secured in place at the desired height.Alternatively, different adjustment mechanisms may be used. For example,friction pads may hold the hood 302 at a desired height using gravity.Alternatively, a tightening screw or knob or series of pegs and holesmay serve to secure the light at a desired height.

The indoor growing unit 300 also has a watering reservoir 318, whichprovides a constant water table for moisture wicking from the growingmedia or seed pods 100. The water reservoir 318 is contained so as toprovide a barrier from and positioned away from the light source foradded safety. The water reservoir 318 is designed to contain a quantityof water that is dispensed from the reservoir through a cap (not shown)which covers opening 319. The cap may have a spring loaded outlet orvalve that is actuated when the reservoir is placed into the base. Thewater is dispensed directly into the base plate. The reservoir 318 isconfigured such that water flows from the reservoir 318 to maintain aparticular depth of water in the base of the indoor growing unit. Forexample, the water depth may be maintained at ½ inch. This water levelallows moisture to be drawn up as the growing media or seed pod needsit, helping solve consumer issues of over or under watering. Thereservoir 318 also allows consumers to spend less time watering and havea greater amount of time in between watering. The water reservoir 318 isremovable from the unit 300 and can be refilled by a user and thenreplaced in the unit, rather than requiring the consumer to move theentire unit or bring water to the unit to refill the water reservoir318. To refill the water reservoir 318, water is filled through the cap,which is removable, and then water can be filled into the opening 319.The water reservoir 318 is further designed to not leak or spill oncefilled and water will only exit the reservoir once placed into thegrowing unit and the cap is actuated. The water reservoir 318 may beopaque (such as shown for example in FIG. 50 (water reservoir 2119) orits material may contain an additive to block or otherwise minimizelight from reaching the water, thereby helping to prevent algal growth.The water reservoir 318 may be transparent as shown, for example, inFIG. 49 (water reservoir 2118). The water reservoir 318 may incorporatea visual water level indicator to allow visual inspection of thereservoir's water level. For example, a visual inspection port or stripmay be used, a gauge may be used, or the water reservoir may bepartially or completely transparent.

The water reservoir 318 may have an opening or inlet 319 (see FIG. 41,for example). A cap (not shown) may be used to close this opening 319and provide flow control for water exhaust from the reservoir. The capmay have a spring loaded valve to allow for exhaust of water from thereservoir 318 into the base plate 308. The spring loaded valve mayprovide flow metering for water exhaust. The spring loaded valve may beactuated through contact with a circular protrusion 332 on the baseplate 308. The cap may attach to the water reservoir 318 through athreaded connection as shown in the figures.

The indoor growing unit is designed to be modular and have a particularnumber of growing containers 310. For example, the indoor growing unitmay have up to three growing containers 310. It should be appreciatedthat other numbers of growing containers 310 are possible. These growingcontainers 310 may be alternatively referred to as grow trays. Eachgrowing container 310 may contain a pod tray 314. This modularityprovides flexibility for different growing configurations. For example,one growing container 310 could be utilized to start transplants using apod tray 314 while the other two growing containers 310 could be used togrow herbs to harvest in growing media, using seed pods, or seeds. Thegrowing containers 310 are dimensionally deep enough to provide enoughgrowing media for healthy root growth and development and growing spaceis optimized for growing plants either to harvest or transport. Thegrowing containers 310 are rectangular with hollow pedestals 322.According to exemplary embodiments, each growing container 310 may havesix hollow pedestals 322 with holes in their bottom portion that allowwater to enter the pedestal. Through these holes, water is allowed todirectly contact with the seed pod or growing media. Through thiscontact, a wicking action may be established to allow for the water toprovide moisture to the seed pod or the growing media supporting plantgermination and growth. It should be appreciated that each of the sixhollow pedestals 322 may be covered by a permeable or semi-permeablemesh to prevent growing media from exiting through the opening but stillallow water to wick from the base plate 308 to the growing media in thegrowing container 310.

To support transplant growing, the pod tray 314 may be used, whichsimplifies the transplant experience. This pod tray 314 is designed toreceive and hold plurality of seed pods. For example, each tray may holdup to six seed pods. The pod tray 314 suspends the seed pods withoutgrowing media in the growing container 310 and allows the tips of thepods to touch the water that is located at the bottom of the growingcontainer 310 through the hole in the bottom portion of the pedestalfeet 322 as described above. The pod tray 314 is supported in thegrowing container 310 by a flange 336 with is configured to rest on aninner lip 338 of the growing container 310. The pod tray 314 is thussuspended at a predetermined height for proper exposure of the tips ofthe seed pods to water by way of resting on the inner lip 338surrounding the inside perimeter of the growing container 310. Further,the openings in the bottom of the pod tray allow proper water uptake androot growth while the tray itself maintains the seed pod shape. The seedpods can be easily pushed out of the pod tray from these holes in thebottom to release the seed pod for transplant in another container orgarden.

To support growing to harvest, the growing container 310 may be usedwithout the pod tray 314 and is filled with a growing media. The growingmedia fills growing container 310 and the growing media is incommunication with the water in the base plate 308 through the holes inthe bottom of each of the pedestals. Seed pods may be planted directlyinto growing media. Alternatively, seeds could also be planted in thegrowing container 310 directly into the growing media.

Each growing container 310 has a cover or cloche 312. The cover 312 isdesigned to trap heat and moisture in the growing container 310 becausehaving a warm and moist environment can increase the speed ofgermination. The cover 312 has several vents along the side and top,which allow for removal of excess heat and moisture.

The base plate 308 may have a series of raised projections 328. Theseraised projections 328 support the underside of the growing container310 to provide for proper placement of each growing container and mayserve to support the bottom surface of the growing containers,suspending the growing containers at the optimum height for interactionof the soil or seed pod tips with the water contained in the base plate308.

Alternatively, the raised projections 328 may mate with the pedestals322 of each growing container 310 to provide for proper placement and tosecure the growing container 310. The base plate 308 may have also haveraised portions 330 which accommodate the inner projections 324 of thestand 304. The base plate 308 has a circular protrusion 332 which isconfigured to actuate the valve in the cap of the water reservoir asdescribed above.

It should be appreciated that the unit may be portable and can be movedwithout disassembly. Alternatively, the base plate 308, with any growingcontainers 310 and the water reservoir 318 can be moved. For example,the base plate 308 and its contents may be moved to an exterior locationwhere the stand and light unit are not required.

It should further be appreciated the positioning and structure of thevarious components is exemplary. Changes in structure, size, shape, andpositioning may be possible. In some embodiments, the indoor growingunit 300 may lack the reservoir 318, the pod tray 314, and the cover312. In these embodiments, for example, water may be added directly tothe base unit 308.

For example, FIG. 42 depicts an indoor unit 1800 according to exemplaryembodiments, with differing structure from the unit 300, such as, forexample, having a water reservoir 1818 being located at the rear of theunit. This and other differences may be appreciated from FIG. 42 also.Unit 1800 is also shown lacking covers 312 (although such covers couldbe included). FIG. 43 depicts another exemplary embodiment 1900 with atransparent water reservoir 1918 located at the rear of the unit. Itshould be appreciated that, as described above, the water reservoir 318may be transparent. Unit 1900 is also shown lacking covers 312 (althoughsuch covers could be included). FIG. 44 depicts another exemplaryembodiment 2000 that has similar parts to the other embodiments. FIGS.45-54 depict another exemplary embodiment 2100 that uses a capillary matstructure to provide wicking of water between the base unit and the seedpods. FIGS. 59-62 depict yet another exemplary embodiment that lacks aseparate water tank and has a divider structure for support of the seedpods in the growing containers.

It should be appreciated however that the various embodiments of theindoor growing unit depicted herein may also include the variousfeatures described above with respect to the indoor unit 300 to theextent that such features are not described below. The descriptions ofthe various embodiments of the indoor growing units may focus on thedifferences and other features for each embodiment. For example, each ofthe various indoor growing unit embodiments may include the lights andassociated reflectors as described above. In some embodiments, thefeatures may be modified or structurally different but perform the sameor similar functions to those described above for the indoor unit 300.For example, a different type of light and/or reflector may be used or adifferent type of watering system may be used.

FIG. 42 depicts an indoor growing unit 1800 according to exemplaryembodiments. The unit 1800 has a light unit 1802 that is attached to astand 1804 through a post assembly 1806. The light unit 1802 may beremovably mounted to the post assembly 1806. The post assembly 1806 isdetachably mated with the stand 1804. The stand 1804 may have trough1805 which may be used to contain decorative elements or provide addedstorage space. For example, the trough 1805 may be filled with rocks orother items, such as, extra pods or harvesting shears. Alternatively,the stand 1804 may lack the trough 1805.

The indoor growing unit 1800 has a base plate 1808. The base plate 1808is configured to accommodate at least one growing container 1810.According to exemplary embodiments, three growing containers 1810 may beused with the base plate 1808. Each growing container 1810 may have acover or grow dome (not shown). Within each growing container 1810 maybe a pod tray. The pod tray may be configured to hold a plurality ofseed pods as described above. For example, each pod tray may hold up tosix seed pods. The base plate 1808 has a water tank or reservoir 1818.It should be appreciated that each growing container 1810, each cover,each pod tray, and the water reservoir 1818 may be removable from thebase plate 1808.

The water reservoir 1818 may have a water level indicator (not shown).The water level indicator indicates the water level in the waterreservoir. The water level indicator may be transparent or opaque. Thisindicator may be a float type indicator. It should be appreciated thatother water level indicators may be used.

In FIGS. 43-44 depict additional exemplary embodiments of the indoorunit as described above, such as indoor unit 1900 and 2000. These indoorunits have similar features to those of indoor unit 1800, with similarstructures labeled with similar reference numbers having a “19” or “20”prefix instead of “18.”

FIGS. 45-54 depict an indoor unit 2100. The indoor unit 2100 is depictedwith a capillary mat 2122 secured by a securing bar 2124 in place in thebottom of the growing container 2110. This capillary mat 2122 andsecuring bar 2124 may be present in each growing container 2110 or in asubset of the growing containers. The capillary mat 2122 may be made ofa material capable of absorbing and wicking water. The capillary mat2122 may be reusable for multiple growing sessions or uses of the unit2100. The capillary mat 2122 may have a certain lifespan after which itrequires replacement. The capillary mat 2122 may be of a rectangularshape that is configured to be indented or folded down a centralportion. This fold allows for the securing bar 2124 to be placed withinthe fold to secure and press down the capillary mat into the growingcontainer 2110. The growing container 2110 may have a slot or otheropening in its base to allow the capillary mat 2122 with the securingbar 2124 to extend through the growing container's base. In this manner,the capillary mat 2122 may be placed in contact with the water presentin the base 2108. Through this contact, water may be wicked or otherwisecaused to migrate from the base 2108, through the capillary mat 2122 toeither the growing media in which the seed pods or seed is planted inthe growing container 2110 or to the seed pod tray 314. The seed podtray 2114 may rest upon the capillary mat 2122 when it is present in thegrowing container 2110. A seed pod 100 that is present in the seed podtray 2114 may then have access to the water through this contact. Theseed pod sits within the seed pod tray 2114 and its bottom portion mayallow this contact. The unit 2100 may have water reservoir 2118. Thewater reservoir 2118 may be transparent. In some embodiments, the waterreservoir 2119 may be opaque as shown in FIG. 50. The water reservoirmay have an opening 2121. The opening 2121 may contain a cap or valve(not shown). The cap or valve may be removed to facilitate filling ofthe reservoir. The cap or valve may be a one-way flow device to allowwater to exit the opening 2121. The water reservoir 2118 or 2119 mayhave a visual indicator 2120 to visually show the water level in thereservoir. The visual indicator 2120 may be a float type indicator. Itshould be appreciated that other types of indicators may be used.

FIG. 51 depicts a cross-section view of a growing container 2110 and apod tray 2114. A capillary mat 2122 is shown along with a securing bar2124. The opening or slot 2126 is shown through which the capillary mat2122 and the securing bar 2124 extend into the base 2108. An opening2128 at the base of the pod tray 2114 is in contact with the capillarymat 2124. A seed pod (not shown) may be placed in the pod tray. Thebottom portion of the seed pod cone would extend into the opening 2128and contact the capillary mat 2124, according to some embodiments. FIG.52 provides another view of the components depicted in FIG. 51. Thecapillary mat 2122 is shown in an unfolded state 2122′.

FIGS. 49 and 50 depict a further embodiment for use with the growingtray 2110. A seed pod 100 (in cross section with only the outer shell114 shown) is in the pod tray 2114. As depicted in FIG. 51, its bottomcone portion extends into the opening 2128. A bridge 2132 is located inthe opening 2128 between the cone tip and the capillary mat 2122. Thebridge 2132 facilitates water wicking from the capillary mat 2122 to theseed pod 2130. The bridge 2132 may be made of a suitable material tofacilitate the water wicking. The water may wick through the bridge 2132to the seed pod 2130. The bridge 2132 may have an open center portion asdepicted in FIG. 53 or the bridge 2132 may be a closed structure. Asdepicted in FIG. 53, multiple bridges 2132 may be used under eachopening 2128 of the pod tray 2114.

FIGS. 59 through 62 depict an indoor growing unit 2200 according toexemplary embodiments. The unit 2200 has a light unit 2202 that isattached to a stand 2204 through a post assembly 2206. The light unit2202 may be removably mounted to the post assembly 2206. The postassembly 2206 is detachably mated with the stand 2204. The stand 2204may be enclosed and lack any trough structure.

The indoor growing unit 2200 has a base plate 2208. The base plate 2208may be detachably mated with the stand 2204. The base plate 2208 isconfigured to accommodate at least one growing container 2210. Accordingto exemplary embodiments, three growing containers 2210 may be used withthe base plate 2208 as shown. Within each growing container 2210 may bestructure to accommodate a plurality of seed pods 2216. For example, upto six seed pods may be accommodated in each growing container. The seedpod 2216 may be any of the embodiments of a seed pod as described above.For example, the seed pod 2216 may be the seed pod 100 as describedover. Each growing container 2210 may be removable from the base plate2208.

Within each growing container 2210 may be a number of elements to holdthe seed pods. The structure may include a top portion 2212 and a poddivider 2214. The pod divider 2214 may provide support for the topportion 2212 and serve as a separator for each seed pod 2216. In FIG.60, it should be appreciated that only the outer shell portion of theseed pod 2216 is depicted. The top portion 2212 may be removed and theseed pods placed into the pod divider 2214. According to exemplaryembodiments, growing media, such as, but not limited to soil, may beadded to the interior volume of the growing container 2210 upon removalof the top cover 2212 prior to the seed pods 2216 be placed. Once thegrowing media has been filled in, one or more seed pods 2216 may beinserted into the growing media. The pod divider 2214 may serve toprovide a separator for the seed pods 2216 to provide for proper spacingand placement of each seed pod 2216. The growing media may providesupport for each seed pod 2216. The top cover 2212 may be replacedfollowing insertion of the seed pods. The top cover 2212 may serve toprotect the seed pods and prevent foreign objects or material fromentering the growing container 2210.

In some embodiments the top portion 2212 may have openings 2228 throughwhich each seed pod 2216 may be inserted without removing the topportion 2212. In other embodiments, the growing media may be filledthrough these openings.

The top portion 2212 may have two halves 2220A and 2220B as depicted inFIG. 61. The two halves may be divided along a section 2222. The topportion 2212 may be perforated to allow for penetration of moisture andair through its upper surface, for example. The top portion 2212 may bemade of a suitable material. For example, the top portion 2212 may bemade of plastic. The two halves 2220A and 2220B may allow for removal ofthe top cover 2212 once any plants have germinated and grown and need tobe removed from the growing container 2210. The halves may allow suchremoval without damage or disturbing of any plants growing.

The growing container 2210 may have a bottom structure as depicted inFIG. 38, for example. Thus, the bottom structure of the growingcontainer 2210 may have hollow pedestals 322. Each growing container2210 may have six hollow pedestals 322 with holes in their bottomportion that allow water to enter the pedestal. Through these holes,water is allowed to directly contact with the seed pod or growing media.Through this contact, a wicking action may be established to allow forthe water to provide moisture to the seed pod or the growing mediasupporting plant germination and growth. According to exemplaryembodiments, as described above, the growing container 2210 may befilled with growing media, such as, but not limited to, soil. Thegrowing media may fill the volume of the growing container 2210including each of the hollow pedestals 322. Water, in the interiorvolume 2209 of the base unit 2208 may then be wicked into the growingcontainer and eventually into contact with each seed pod 2216.

The indoor growing unit 2200 may lack a separate water reservoir. Thewater need for growth of the seed pods may be provided from the interiorvolume 2209 of the base unit 2208. For example, water may be added tothe interior volume 2209 directly. The water may be added throughscalloped portion 2224. There may be two scalloped portions 2224according to exemplar embodiments. Two raised projections 2226 may serveas water level indicators to provide a visual reference regarding thewater level in the interior volume 2209. As depicted in FIG. 62, forexample, the raised projection 2226 can be seen from exterior of theunit 2200 when the growing containers 2210 are in place.

In some embodiments, water may be added through one or more an openings2228 through the top cover 2212. The water may then flow down and excessmay accumulate in the interior volume 2209. The water level in theinterior volume may be observed as indicated above.

A moisture indicator may be used. The moisture indicator may be placedinto one or more seed pods 2216 or soil in the growing container 2210(depending how the unit is configured) to indicate the moisture levelwhich may provide an indication of the water status of the unit 2200.

The following examples are not intended to limit the exemplaryembodiments in any way.

EXAMPLES A. Example 1

Previous experimentation found that the large, thin-walled spikes madeof composted and molded cow manure can successfully grow vegetableplants to maturation and harvest. In this experiment, the inventorsdetermined that various plant species can also successfully grow in thetriangular acorn shaped seed pods described and depicted herein. Theinventors also determined that the thicker walled triangular acornshaped seed pod improved the ability of the pod to be pushed into theplanting surface.

B. Example 2

In this experiment, the inventors determined that dried compressed cowmanure, peat moss, and sugar cane were useful as the outer shell. Limabeans and zucchini were successfully grown in each of these materialsand these outer shells were easily penetrated by plant roots.

C. Example 3

Previous experimentation showed that the sugar cane shaped seed podworked well for zucchini squash when filled with coir and fertilizedwith a controlled release fertilizer (e.g., Osmocote®). In thisexperiment, the inventors evaluated the growth of corn, tomato and greenin variable planting depths (e.g., fertilizer beneath the seed,fertilizer in bottom of cone, and fertilizer adjacent to seed), in aloose medium such as coir.

The inventors determined that the placement of formed Osmocote® did notimpact tomato plant growth and development. In beans, having the formedOsmocote® in the bottom of the cone was more advantageous in time togermination. Towards the end of the trial, all treatments were similarin their plant size and mass.

Corn was variable in performance. Over time, the formed Osmocote®beneath seed, formed Osmocote® in bottom of cone, and formed Osmocote®adjacent to seed performed similarly in plant size and mass.

In sum, including a formed Osmocote® in a cone matrix successfullydelivered proper nutrition to vegetable plants. Placement in the bottomof cone demonstrated faster time to germination.

D. Example 4

This experiment investigated variable planting depths in a loose mediumsuch as coir. Corn, tomato and green bean seeds were planted at fourdepths, including % inch, 1.5 inches, 3 inches, and the recommendedseeding depth from the seed supplier.

Differences were seen for the first few days after germination withbeans and corn, but treatments soon tapered and were statistically thesame for the rest of the trial. Tomato treatments were the same for theentire duration of the trial. Depths of 2-3 inches was not detrimentalto seedling growth and development and gives more flexibility in seedplacement. This study demonstrated that a universal seeding depth may beused with vegetable species.

E. Example 5

This experiment investigated the use of shredded coir or a Q-Plug (fromIHORT) as the rooting media for the interior of the triangular acornshaped seed pod.

Germination was statistically equivalent for all treatments and in allspecies. Only a single lettuce treatment showed no germination. Allother treatments for all species germinated, with an average of at least58%. Differences in plant quality were evident throughout the trial,with added Osmocote® treatments greatly outperforming the non-fertilizedtreatments.

F. Example 6

This experiment investigated how compressed cow manure cone and therooting media within will interact to pull water for the benefit of agerminating seed and the depth at which the exterior growing mediaprovides adequate moisture. The cones were evaluated in an open trayformat utilizing three depths of exterior growing media outside thecones. The rooting media in the cones was either loose coir or a moldedplug having external ribs and formed to fit within the cone andcomprising shredded coconut coir pith and bark fines. Onlybottom-watering was done utilizing the features of the Misco Pot withexterior water ports and interior portals for the soil to engage thewater for wicking purposes.

1. Materials and Methods

As depicted in FIG. 57, three Misco pots measuring 6 inches×24 inches×5inches deep were filled at various depths with shredded coir. Thebottoms of the cones are 0.25, 1.25 and 2.25 inches above the portals inthe bottom of the Misco pot. Two types of seed were seeded into eachcone; three basil on the left side of the cone and three yellow zucchinisquash seeds on the right side—both at ¼ inch deep. As a control, thesame seed types were planted directly into the coir base, in the absenceof a seed pod, at the same depth and distance apart as that dictated bythe cone dimensions. At planting, prepared cones were arranged in astraight line through the middle of the Misco pot. Each Misco pot housedthree cones, which were formed of composted and molded cow manure. Threeof these cones were filled with loose coir and three with molded plugs.These three cones of each substrate represent three replicates. Directseeded seeds were planted in the voids around the cones but at least oneinch away from the cone so any wicking by the cone would not influencethe adjacent direct-sown seeds. After the cones were seeded and plantedinto the shredded coir in the Misco pots, wherein the finished pots willbe bottom watered only. No top watering was done in this trial. Potswere monitored daily to be sure water level was maintained especially asthe coir base was being wetted out. Germination and development ofseedlings were monitored throughout the trial. In particular, seedlings,run in triplicate, were counted as they emerge and the number countedwas divided by 3 to obtain the percent germination. This rating wastaken periodically through the first several weeks of the trial in orderto monitor speed of germination as a result of the varying moistureconditions.

As seedlings emerge they were counted. The number counted was divided by3 to obtain % Germination. This rating was taken periodically throughthe first several weeks of the trial in order to monitor speed ofgermination as a result of the varying moisture conditions.

FIGS. 55 and 56 depict the germination of basil in seed pods comprisingeither loose coir or a molded plug at various planting depths accordingto exemplary embodiments.

Table 1 below provides a description of the various planting schemesused in this experiment.

TABLE 1 PLANTING REGIME CONE SUBSTRATE 1 Shallow Misco Pot LooseShredded Coir Three-Inch Soil Depth with Cone 0.25 inch from watersource 2 Shallow Misco Pot Molded Plug Three-Inch Soil Depth with Cone0.25 inch from water source 3 Shallow Misco Pot No Cone-Direct SeedThree-Inch Soil Depth with into Coir Base Seeds Planted at 0.25 inchesfrom the Surface 4 Mid-Depth Misco Pot Loose Shredded Coir Four-InchSoil Depth with Cone 1.25 inch from water source 5 Mid-Depth Misco PotMolded Plug Four-Inch Soil Depth with Cone 1.25 inch from water source 6Mid-Depth Misco Pot No Cone-Direct Seed Four-Inch Soil Depth with Seedsinto Coir Base Planted at 0.25 inches from the Surface 7 Deep Misco PotLoose Shredded Coir Five-Inch Soil Depth with Cone 2.25 inch from watersource 8 Deep Misco Pot Molded Plug Five-Inch Soil Depth with Cone 2.25inch from water source 9 Deep Misco Pot No Cone Direct Seed Five-InchSoil Depth with Seeds into Coir Base Planted at 0.25 inches from theSurface

The data from these nine treatments was subjected to analysis ofvariance (ANOVA) using ARM version 8.0 (Gylling Data Management). Iftreatment probability is significant, means were separated using StudentNewman-Keuls at P=0.05.

2. Results

In the shallow planted Misco Pots, the coir matrix soil was a total of3.0 inches deep with the bottom of the cone elevated at 0.25 inchesabove the level of the water. It was observed that the surface of thecoir matrix continuously had a wet appearance attesting to its wickingcapability at that 3.0 inch depth. The exposed rims of the cones werenoticeably wetter as well (see FIG. 57).

The coir matrix effectively wicked moisture through its 3.0 inch profileand provided ample moisture at 7 days after seeding (DAS) for seedgermination in both versions of the cone (loose coir filled and moldedplug-filled) and for the direct-sown seed. This pattern held true forboth species at all three rating dates (see FIGS. 55 and 56).

In the mid-depth Misco pot the coir matrix was 4.0 inches deep with thebottom of the cone elevated 1.25 inches above the level of the water.Unlike the surface of 3.0 inch deep coir matrix, the 4.0 inch depth didnot appear wet at the surface. However, the exposed rims of the coneshowed that most of the cones were adequately moistened due to wicking(see FIG. 57).

At 7 DAS the molded plug cone was the only setting where basil plantsreceived adequate moisture for germination. No basil seeds germinated inthe Coir-filled cone or the direct seed. At 13 and 20 days basil seedgermination occurred in the Coir-filled cone but not in the direct seedsetting (see FIG. 55).

Squash was similar to basil in its response except that both versions ofthe cone provided ample moisture for the germination of the squash seedbeginning at the early 7 day timeframe. Direct-sown squash did notgerminate (see FIG. 56). This illustrated the effectiveness of the conefor moving moisture against gravity for successful germination of thesetwo species which could not germinate using conventional direct-sowseeding methods. In this case moisture was moved 3.75 inches—from theportal to the seed.

In the deep-depth Misco pot the coir matrix was 5.0 inches deep with thebottom of the cone elevated 2.25 inches above the level of the water. Atthis depth there was no visible moisture at the surface of the coirmatrix (see FIG. 57). Most all cones wetted well based on the appearanceof the exposed rims (as in the mid-depth Misco pot one of the threeCoir-filled cones did not wick water and so no seeds germinated).

As with the mid-depth Misco Pot most all basil and squash germinated aslong as they were housed in the cone setting (see FIGS. 56 and 57).Direct-sown seed did not receive adequate moisture for germination. Inthis case, adequate moisture was pulled 4.75 inches to the seed throughthe benefit of the cone and the loose coir and/or molded plug materialswithin.

F. Example 7

A variety of other herbs and vegetables were tested utilizing similarmethodology presented above. In this example, the nutrient blends weretested for germination, overall growth, root rating, and dry weight ofthe products produced. The nutrient blends of NPK tested wereNPK-0.0075-0.0032-0.015 (i.e., F1) and NPK-0.0045-0.0025-0.013 (i.e.,F2). These plants include basil, cilantro, thyme, dill, bush beans, snappeas, spinach, lettuce (loose leaf, butterhead, and romaine),watermelon, cucumber, summer squash, pumpkin, sweet pepper, tomato(globe and cherry). The tables, below, provide a summary of seed podsutilizing F1 and F2 NPK levels in the seed pods as compared to seedsplanted directly into the native soil. The seed pods' outer shell was acompressed cow manure cone and the rooting media was a molded plugcomprising shredded coconut coir pith and bark fines and F1 or F2 NPK.The tables below summarize the results for the various seeds in percentgermination (Table 2), overall growth (Table 3), root rating (Table 4),and dry weight (Table 5).

TABLE 2 Percent Germination Seed Seed Seed Seed Direct Direct Pod PodPod Pod plant- plant- (F1) at (F1) at (F2) at (F2) at ing 7 ing 19 7days 19 days 7 days 19 days days days Basil  66  75  91.7  91.7  8.3 41.7 Cilantro  83.33^(#)  91.7  91.67^(#) 100  91.67^(#)  91.7 Thyme 16.7  25  41.7  58.3  0  25 Dill  58.3^(#)  83.3  75^(#)  75  58.3^(#) 83.3 Bush  91.7  91.7  83.3  91.7  83.3 100 beans Snap  83.3 100 100100  58.3  58.3 peas Spinach  16.7  66.7  50  91.7  41.7  58.3 Loose 58.3^(#)  58.3  50^(#)  50  91.7^(#)  91.7 leaf lettuce Butterhead 58.3  66.7  58.3  66.7  75  83.3 lettuce Romaine  33.3  83.3  50 100 91.7  91.7 lettuce Watermelon  0 100  16.7 100    75 Cucumber 100100{circumflex over ( )} 100 100{circumflex over ( )}  91.7100{circumflex over ( )} Summer  75  91.7{circumflex over ( )}  83.3100{circumflex over ( )}  75  83.3{circumflex over ( )} Squash Pumpkin 50  58.3{circumflex over ( )}  50  66.7{circumflex over ( )}  58.3 75{circumflex over ( )} Sweet  16.7^(#)  83.3  8.3^(#)  75  0^(#)  83.3Pepper Cherry  50  91.7  66.7 100  91.7  91.7 tomato Globe  25  66.7  25 75 100 100 tomato # = 10 days {circumflex over ( )} = 12 days

TABLE 3 Overall Growth (mm) at 4 weeks Seed Pod (F1) Seed Pod (F1)Direct planting Basil 40.8 43.5 17.6 Cilantro 62.5 61.3 48.8 Thyme 21.923.5 18.3 Dill 71.7 71.7 50 Bush beans 182.1 200.4 170.4 Snap peas 159.4176.3 148.2 Spinach 107.92 88.33 125.9 Loose leaf lettuce 84.83 82.0859.17 Butterhead lettuce 28.42 40.08 30.42 Romaine lettuce 21.6 24.127.5 Watermelon 75.83 71.08 49.17 Cucumber 110 114.6 94.2 Summer Squash195 194.8 189.6 Pumpkin 165 170.4 173.8 Sweet Pepper 41.8 42.6 42.8Cherry tomato 103.8 103.8 93.3 Globe tomato 48.3 45.5 40.6

TABLE 4 Root Rating (scale of 0-5) at 6 weeks Seed Pod (F1) Seed Pod(F1) Direct planting Basil 3.8 3.8 1.3 Cilantro 3.5 3.5 3.3 Thyme 0.81.5 1 Dill 3 3.5 2.3 Bush beans 4.8 4.8 4.5 Snap peas 3.8 4.5 3 Spinach4 3.5 3 Loose leaf lettuce 3.5 3.8 2.8 Butterhead lettuce 1.8 2.5 2Romaine lettuce 1.5 1.8 1.3 Watermelon 2.3 2.3 1.8 Cucumber 3.5 3.3 3.3Summer Squash 3.5 3.8 3 Pumpkin 3.5 3.5 4 Sweet Pepper 1.3 1.5 1.5Cherry tomato 4 4 3.5 Globe tomato 2 2 1.8

TABLE 5 Dry Weight (grams) at 6 weeks Seed Pod (F1) Seed Pod (F1) Directplanting Basil 0.34 0.43 0.1 Cilantro 0.44 0.46 0.33 Thyme 0.048 0.0850.052 Dill 0.218 0.233 0.165 Bush beans 2.25 2.17 2.21 Snap peas 1.5681.863 1.365 Spinach 0.838 0.689 0.826 Loose leaf lettuce 0.613 0.6800.595 Butterhead lettuce 0.035 0.1 0.085 Romaine lettuce 0.068 0.0750.093 Watermelon 0.620 0.550 0.255 Cucumber 1.143 1.215 0.925 SummerSquash 2.810 2.680 2.533 Pumpkin 2.318 2.130 2.5 Sweet Pepper 0.1650.150 0.105 Cherry tomato 1.820 2.070 1.348 Globe tomato 0.105 0.1250.095

1. Basil

Basil grown in the seed pods produced better emergence at 7 days afterseeding when compared to direct seeding into amended native soil. Thiswas likely due to difficulties of the basil seedling emerging throughthe clay-like soil with a high bulk density and a tendency of surfacecrusting after watering. Germination at 19 days showed no statisticaldifferences between treatments. Dry weight, growth indices and rootratings at 6 weeks showed significantly more growth with the plantsgrown in the Seed Pod compared to directly sown seed. In this study theseed pods provided basil a germination advantage as well as an overallgrowth, dry weight accumulation, and root growth advantage for basilcompared to directly sown seed.

2. Cilantro

Cilantro seed performed similarly when grown from the Seed Pods or whendirect seeded. Percent germination at 7 and 19 days was notstatistically different among treatments. Final dry weights and rootratings were also not statistically different. However, growth indicesshowed that cilantro grown in Seed Pods was significantly larger thanplants that were directly seeded. Overall, cilantro growth wascomparable when grown from seed in the Seed Pods or directly seeded intonative soil.

3. Thyme

Thyme responded similarly to the three treatments. Germination at 7 and19 days was not statistically different among treatments. Dry weight,root ratings, and growth indices were also not statistically differentamong treatments. Thyme germination, growth and development wascomparable when grown in the Seed Pods or when directly sown into nativesoil.

4. Dill

Dill seed germination was statistically similar for the three treatmentsat both 10 and 19 days after sowing. Even though overall growth of dillin the Seed Pods was significantly greater than direct-seeded intonative soil, the dry weights of the three treatments two weeks later (atthe end of the trial) were not significantly different. Seed Pods tendedto have better root ratings than the direct-seed treatment. In summary,the performance of dill in the Seed Pods showed tendencies of improvedgrowth and development when compared to direct seed.

5. Bush Bean

Bean seeds grown in Seed Pods or directly seeded had comparablegermination rates at 7 and 19 days. Growth indices taken at 4 weeksshowed the F-2 Seed Pod produced a significantly larger plant than thedirect seeded control. The F-1 Seed Pod was no different than thecontrol. However, by 6 weeks dry weights and root ratings showed nosignificant difference among the three treatments. Overall, beans grownin Seed Pods or in native soil have similar germination, dry weightproduction, and root growth.

6. Snap Pea

There was a tendency for pea seeds in the Seed Pods to germinate betterthan seeds sown directly into native soil. The Seed Pod with F-2fertilizer produced pea plants with significantly greater dry weightaccumulation than Seed Pod with F-1 fertilizer or directly sown seeds.Overall growth measured at 4 weeks and 6 week root ratings werestatistically similar for all treatments. In summary pea seedgermination tended to be better in Seed Pods but the subsequentvegetative growth and root growth were quite similar for each of thethree treatments.

7. Spinach

Spinach plants had similar germination at 7 and 19 days for alltreatments. Growth indices taken at 4 weeks showed that spinach plantsgrown from direct seed in soil tended to have greater growth than thosegrown in Seed Pods. However, by 6 weeks dry weights and root ratingsindicated there were no significant differences among the threetreatments. Overall, spinach performed similarly when grown in Seed Podsor when directly seeded into native soil.

8. Lettuce

Several varieties of lettuce were tested in these studies, includingloose leaf lettuce, butterhead lettuce, and romaine lettuce. All threecultivars of lettuce grown from the Seed Pods had statistically similargermination rate at 7 and 19 days as those planted directly into nativesoil. At four weeks, overall growth of lettuce plants for each varietywas similar for each treatment. At six weeks, the dry weight for looseleaf and romaine lettuce showed that the three treatments were notstatistically different from one another however, dry weights ofbutterhead lettuce showed that native soil and Seed Pods with F2 levelof nutrition had significantly more growth than plants grown in SeedPods with F1. Root ratings of loose leaf lettuce, butterhead lettuce,and romaine lettuce showed no statistical differences among treatments.In summary, all three lettuces grown from seed in the Seed Pod performedsimilarly as lettuce grown in native soil. One parameter, butterheadlettuce dry weight, showed that the F-1 Seed Pod was inferior to the F-2Seed Pod and the native soil control. However, all other butterheadlettuce ratings showed no statistical differences among the threetreatments.

9. Watermelon

Watermelon performed similarly in both Seed Pods and when seededdirectly into the native soil. The rate of germination was statisticallysimilar for all treatments at 7 and 19 days. The dry weight, rootratings, and overall growth were not statistically different amongtreatments. Overall, watermelon seed can be started from either SeedPods or directly sown to obtain the same rate of germination and plantgrowth for 6 weeks after seeding.

10. Cucumber

Cucumber performed similarly in both Seed Pods and when seeded directlyinto the native soil. The rate of germination was similar for alltreatments at 7 and 12 days. The dry weight, root ratings, and overallgrowth were not statistically different among the three treatments.Overall, the success of growing cucumber in Seed Pods or direct seed isvery similar.

11. Summer Squash (Zucchini)

Zucchini performed similarly in both Seed Pods and when grown in adirect-seed setting. The rate of germination was similar for alltreatments at 7 and 12 days. The dry weight, root ratings, and overallgrowth were not statistically different among treatments. Overall,zucchini can be grown from seed equally well using the Seed Pods or whendirectly sown in native soil.

12. Pumpkin

Pumpkin performed similarly in both Seed Pods and when directly seededinto native soil. The rate of germination was similar for all treatmentsat 7 and 12 days. The dry weight, root ratings, and overall growth werenot statistically different among treatments. Overall, pumpkin can begrown equally well from seed using Seed Pods or when direct sown intonative soil.

13. Sweet Pepper

Sweet Pepper performed similarly in both Seed Pods and when seededdirectly into native soil. The rate of germination was similar for alltreatments at 10 and 19 days. The dry weight, root ratings, and overallgrowth were not statistically different among treatments. Overall, sweetpepper performs equally well when seed is planted using the Seed Podsystem or when directly seeded into native soil.

14. Tomato

Two types of tomatoes (Cherry and Globe) were evaluated in this set oftrials. Cherry tomato had statistically similar germination rates forall three treatments at both 7 and 19 days. Globe tomatoes that weredirect seeded into native soil had better germination than Seed Pods at7 days after seeding but by 19 days there was no statistical differenceamong treatments. The delay of germination of Globe tomatoes in SeedPods could not be explained. At 4 weeks the overall growth of bothCherry and Globe tomato plants in the Seed Pods was not significantlydifferent than directly sown plants. However, at 6 weeks Cherry tomatoplants in the Seed Pods had significantly more dry weight accumulationthan directly seeded into the soil. This was likely due to the addednutrition in the growing media of the Seed Pods. Interestingly thisnutritional advantage was not expressed in the Globe tomato plants. Theroot ratings for both tomato cultivars indicted no differences among thetreatments. Overall, Cherry and Globe tomatoes performed similarly whengrown from Seed Pods or when directly seeded.

While the foregoing description includes details and specific examples,it is to be understood that these have been included for purposes ofexplanation only, and are not to be interpreted as limitations of thepreferred embodiments. It will be appreciated that variations andmodifications may be effected by a person of ordinary skill in the artwithout departing from the scope of the preferred embodiments.Furthermore, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that suchprocesses and systems do not need to be restricted to the specificembodiments described herein. Other embodiments, combinations of thepresent embodiments, and uses and advantages will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practiceof the embodiments disclosed herein. The specification and examplesshould be considered exemplary.

G. Example 8

Experiments to determine whether the contents of the rooting mediaand/or techniques in fabricating the rooting media affected thegermination rates of a variety of seed types were conducted. Seed podswere tested by altering the type of rooting media with (1) only coconutcoir pith, (2) coconut coir pith and bark fines, (3) the coconut coirpith and peat moss held in place by x-tack and subjected to heat drying,or (4) seeds were placed directly into the planting surface (i.e., noseed pod) (see table below):

TREATMENTS 1 Seed placed into seed pods filled with 100% coconut coirpith + 3.0 grams Osmocote 18-6-12 100% coir 2 Seed placed into seed podsfilled with 50% coconut coir pith and 50% bark fines + 3.0 gramsOsmocote 18-6-12 3 Seed placed into seed pods filled with 50% coir and50% bark fines including x-tack and heat drying + 3.0 grams Osmocote18-6-12 4 Seed directly placed into Professional Growing Media

The manufacturing process of the plug may require the use of a specialadhesive call X-tack and requires drying the seed pod in a dryer at hightemperatures to remove moisture. Seed pods were seeded with two to threeseeds (depending on the seed type and size). Each seed was placed at adepth of 0.25 inches below the surface of the planting area (measuredfrom the top of the seed). As a control the same number of seeds will beseeded directly into the planting area without the use of a seed pod.All seed pods and seeds were planted in Fafard 3B professional pottingmix (i.e., soil) and placed into 4″ plastic pots filled with the soil sothat the rim of the pod is level with the surface of the soil. Finishedpots were watered to settle the soil and establish the moisture levelfor seed germination. Observations were noted as seeds germinate andgrow. The experiment terminated at the end of the germination period,which is approximately 3 to 4 weeks after initiation. The followingspecies of vegetables/herbs were tested: Basil Genovese (Ocimumbasilicum ‘Genovese’), Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum ‘Santo’), Dill(Anethum graveolens ‘Fernleaf’), Bush Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris ‘Jade’),Snap Pea (Pisum sativum ‘Sugar Bon’), Spinach (Spinacia oleracea‘Baker’), Looseleaf Lettuce (Lactuca sativa ‘Lola Rosa’), ButterheadLettuce (Lactuca sativa ‘Butter Crunch’), Romaine Lettuce (Lactucasativa ‘Winter Density’), Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus var. lanatus‘Sugar Baby’), Cucumber (Cucumis sativus ‘Tasty Green’), Zucchini Squash(Cucurbita pepo ‘Fiesta’), Yellow Zucchini Squash (Cucurbita pepo ‘StarDust’), Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo ‘Spartan’), Sweet Pepper (Capsica annuum‘Red Bull’), Cherry Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum ‘Sweet Million’), GlobeTomato (Solanum lycopersicum ‘Red Pride’).

Following the 3 to 4 week experimentation period, the germination ratesfor planted species were compared. The results of the experiments areprovided in FIG. 58. Seed pods comprising only coconut coir pithgerminated at a rate that was similar to seeds placed directly into thesoil. Depending on the seed type, seed pods comprising only coconut coirpith performed similar to or better than seed pods comprised of bothcoconut coir pith and bark fines, with or without X-tack and heatprocess. Lettuce cultivars had a better initial rate of germination inthe coconut coir pith seed pods compared to coconut coir pith and barkfines, with or without the X-tack and heat process.

H. Example 9

In-field trials were conducted using the seed pods at five locationsworldwide, including Ohio, Oregon, Florida, France, and England. Theprimary goal of this trial was to determine the viability of variousseed types/cultivars of garden vegetables and herbs in the seed podsystem. Germination and early growth were the primary parametersevaluated in this trial. The success of the seed pods were based oncomparing the seed pod germination rates to the germination rate ofdirectly planting the seeds into native soil.

Materials and Methods

Trials were conducted in 4.0 foot wide garden rows and marked off in 4.0foot segments, where each segment is the equivalent of one replicate.Each replicate was sub-divided into four 2 foot×2 foot squares—eachaccommodating one of the four treatments (according to the plot plan inthe Addendum). Each species will occupy a total of 16 linear feet of thegarden row. For all 18 seed types a total of 288 linear feet of gardenrow will be needed.

Prior to planting, the garden rows (at Marysville only) were topped with3.0 inches of Miracle Gro Flower and Vegetable Garden Soil per gardensoil directions and tilled to a depth of 6 inches using atractor-mounted rotor-tiller or similar implement. Seed pods and seedwere planted in the center of their 2 foot×2 foot plots. Seed pods wereplanted according to labeled instructions, such that they were pressedinto the soil up to the flange. The direct-seed control treatments wereplanted directly into the prepared soil. Large-seeded species wereplanted at 0.75 inches deep and small-seeded species will be at 0.25inches deep. Table 6 below provides a species list to determinelarge-seeded and small-seeded species.

TABLE 6 Small-seeded: Large Seeded 1. Basil, (Ocimum basilicum‘Genovese 1. Bush Bean, Phaseolus vulgaris ‘Jade’ Compact’) 2. Cilantro,Coriandrum sativum ‘Santo’ 2. Snap Pea, Pisum sativum ‘Sugar Bon’ 3.Thyme, Thymus spp. ‘German Winter’ 3. Watermelon, Citrullus lanatus var.lanatus ‘Sugar Baby’ 4. Dill, Anethum graveolens ‘Fernleaf’ 4. Cucumber,Cucumis sativus ‘Tasty Green’ 5. Spinach, Spinacia oleracea ‘Emu’ 5.Summer Squash Cucurbita pepo ‘Fiesta’ 6. Leaf Lettuce, Lactuca sativa‘Lola Rossa’ 6. Summer Squash Cucurbita pepo Yellow zucchini ‘Sunbeam’7. Butterhead Lettuce, Lactuca sativa 7. Pumpkin, Cucurbita pepo‘Spartan’ ‘Buttercrunch’ 8. Romaine, Lactuca sativa ‘Winter Density’ 9.Sweet Pepper, Capsica annuum ‘Red Bull’ 10. Cherry Tomato, Solanumlycopersicum ‘Sweet Million’ 11. Globe Tomato Solanum lycopersicum ‘RedPride’

After planting and fertilizing, the plots were watered until the areaappeared thoroughly wetted—as a homeowner would and applied to all plotsas equally as possibly. Water was applied on a daily basis. At 30 days,additional fertilizer was applied to treatments 2 and 4 (see Table 7below), using a shaker jar to the 1 square foot area of soil surroundingthe seedling and lightly raked into the soil. Treatments were monitoredfor germination beginning at 4 days after planting. The dates ofemergence and the number of seeds germinated in each plot were recorded.

TABLE 7 MG SHAKE FERT. RATE 'N FEED LB PER 1.0 FERTILIZER N/1000 SQ. FT.APPLICATION TREATMENT TIMING SQ.FT. PLOT TECHNIQUE 1 Direct Seed- N/A0.0 N/A N/A No Fertilizer 2 Seed Pod N/A 0.0 N/A N/A

Results

Results were recorded as a percentage of seeds that germinated vs. thenumber of seeds planted (i.e. if only one of three seeds germinated,that site had 33% germination). The controls (i.e., seeds planteddirectly into the soil) were seeded at the same depth and spacing as theseed pods. In several instances the seed pod had Percent Germinationgreater than 100%. This is because: 1) Some small-seeded seeds pods weremanufactured with more than the specified number of 3 seeds, or 2) Somespecies such as cilantro and dill sometimes appear to have 2 seedlingsemerging from the same seed. It will also be noticed that germinationoccasionally decreased over time. Seedlings can die or be eaten and when‘blind’ ratings are conducted and this would not be noticed until thedata are analyzed. The results from each location are summarized below.

Ohio Results:

TABLE 8 Failed Seeding Percent Germination per 8 Crop Seed Method 3 DAS5 DAS 6 DAS 8 DAS 12 DAS 14 DAS 16 DAS 19 DAS 21 DAS Sites Basil DirectSeed 41.8 45.9 58.4 66.8 66.8 66.8 1 Seed Pod 91.8 91.8 91.8 91.8 91.891.8 0 Cilantro Direct Seed 33.3 70.9 79.3 83.6 87.7 83.6 0 Seed Pod54.3 87.7 91.8 91.8 95.9 95.9 0 Dill Direct Seed 24.9 24.9 24.9 33.324.9 24.9 3 Seed Pod 41.8 50.2 70.9 70.9 58.3 58.3 0 Spinach Direct Seed41.6 37.4 37.3 37.3 37.3 37.3 1 Seed Pod 91.8 91.8* 91.8* 91.8* 91.8*91.8* 0 Leaf Lettuce Direct Seed 66.8* 75.2* 75.2* 75.2 79.3 83.4 87.6 0Seed Pod 4.2 4.2 8.3 41.7 95.9 95.9 95.9 0 Butterhead Direct Seed 54.258.3 58.3 62.6 66.8 62.6 62.6 62.6 0 Lettuce Seed Pod 54.2 62.6 62.679.3 95.9 100.0 100.0 100.0 0 Romaine Direct Seed 8.3 12.4 12.4 29.370.9 70.8 66.8 70.9 0 Lettuce Seed Pod 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 83.4 95.9 95.995.9 0 Sweet Pepper Direct Seed 0.0 54.2 62.7 62.6 70.9 70.9 0 Seed Pod16.6 70.9 83.6 91.8 95.9 95.9 0 Cherry Tomato Direct Seed 33.3 75.2 87.787.7 87.7 83.4 0 Seed Pod 8.3 33.4 71.1 75.3 75.3 83.6 0 Globe TomatoDirect Seed 16.7 50.1 79.3 83.4 83.4 83.4 0 Seed Pod 8.3 45.8 87.6 87.687.6 79.2 0 Bush Bean Direct Seed 0.0 81.3 87.5 87.5 75.0 75.0 43.8 43.843.8 4 Seed Pod 18.8 87.5 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 0Snap Pea Direct Seed 43.8 68.8 75.0 75.0 75.0 2 Seed Pod 68.8 93.8 100.0100.0 100.0 0 Watermelon Direct Seed 56.3 75.0 75.0 87.5 87.5 81.3 1Seed Pod 81.3 87.5 87.5 93.8 93.8 93.8 0 Cucumber Direct Seed 56.3 87.587.5 87.5 87.5 0 Seed Pod 75.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 0 Green ZucchiniDirect Seed 0.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 0 Seed Pod 31.3 93.8 93.893.8 93.8 93.8 0 Yellow Direct Seed 0.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 0 ZucchiniSeed Pod 12.5 87.5 100.0 100.0 0 Pumpkin Direct Seed 0.0 100.0 100.0100.0 0 Seed Pod 18.8 93.8 93.8 100.0 0 *Significantly ImprovedGerminationOregon Results:

TABLE 9 Failed Seeding Percent Germination per 8 Crop Seed Method 6 DAS8 DAS 11 DAS 13 DAS 15 DAS 18 DAS 20 DAS 22 DAS Sites Basil Direct Seed0.0 5.0 71.7 38.3 46.7 50.0 55.0 1 Seed Pod 13.3 51.7 83.3* 83.3 83.383.3 83.3 0 Cilantro Direct Seed 71.7 160.0 168.3 168.3 168.3 168.3 0Seed Pod 71.7 151.7 155.0 150.0 150.0 150.0 0 Dill Direct Seed 55.0 85.096.7 96.7 96.7 96.7 0 Seed Pod 66.7 101.7 105.0 105.0 105.0 105.0 0Spinach Direct Seed 5.0 16.7 93.3 93.3 93.3 85.0 80.0 46.7 2 Seed Pod50.0 83.3* 88.3 88.3 85.0 75.0 75.0 75.0 0 Leaf Lettuce Direct Seed 16.746.7 80.0 80.0 80.0 80.0 80.0 80.0 0 Seed Pod 46.7 76.7 93.3 113.3 113.3113.3 113.3 113.3 0 Butterhead Direct Seed 46.7 83.3 83.3 88.3 88.3 88.388.3 88.3 0 Lettuce Seed Pod 38.3 58.3 76.7 96.7 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.00 Romaine Direct Seed 13.3 68.3 71.7 76.7 76.7 76.7 76.7 0 Lettuce SeedPod 0.0 96.7 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 0 Sweet Pepper Direct Seed0.0 18.3 50.0 71.7 0 Seed Pod 38.3 55.0 88.3 91.7 0 Cherry Tomato DirectSeed 25.0 93.3 93.3 100.0 100.0 100.0 0 Seed Pod 96.7* 113.3 113.3 113.3113.3 113.3 0 Globe Tomato Direct Seed 46.7 80.0 88.3 88.3 88.3 88.3 0Seed Pod 38.3 60.0 63.3 63.3 63.3 63.3 0 Bush Bean Direct Seed 95.0 95.095.0 95.0 95.0 95.0 0 Seed Pod 77.5 95.0 90.0 90.0 90.0 90.0 0 Snap PeaDirect Seed 45 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 0 Seed Pod 2557.5 90.0 95.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 0 Watermelon Direct Seed 7.5 50.090.0 102.5 107.5 107.5 0 Seed Pod 27.5 82.5 95.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 0Cucumber Direct Seed 57.5 75.0 75.0 75.0 75.0 75.0 75.0 1 Seed Pod 65.095.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 107.5 107.5 0 Green Zucchini Direct Seed 25.0100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 0 Seed Pod 50.0 90.0 95.0 95.0 95.095.0 95.0 0 Yellow Direct Seed 0.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 0Zucchini Seed Pod 27.5 70.0 90.0 95.0 95.0 95.0 95.0 0 Pumpkin DirectSeed 32.5 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 0 Seed Pod 7.5 37.5 57.565.0 70.0 77.5 77.5 1 *Significantly Improved GerminationFlorida Results:

TABLE 10 Failed Seeding Seed Percent Gemination per 8 Crop Method 5 DAS7 DAS 10 DAS 13 DAS Sites Basil Direct Seed 71.1 76.7 68.3 68.3 0 SeedPod 96.7 101.7 96.7 96.7 0 Cilantro Direct Seed 0.0 0.0 26.7 30.0 3 SeedPod 0.0 0.0 21.7 16.7 6 Dill Direct Seed 0.0 0.0 18.3 13.3 6 Seed Pod0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 8 Spinach Direct Seed 35.0 46.7 35.0 38.3 2 Seed Pod38.3 46.7 50.0 46.7 2 Leaf Direct Seed 63.3* 68.3* 71.7* 68.3* 0 LettuceSeed Pod 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 8 Butterhead Direct Seed 30.0 46.7 50.0 46.7 1Lettuce Seed Pod 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 8 Romaine Direct Seed 0.0 8.3 0.0 0.0 8Lettuce Seed Pod 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 8 Sweet Direct Seed 0.0 5.0 88.3 88.3 0Pepper Seed Pod 0.0 0.0 66.7 91.7 0 Cherry Direct Seed 0.0 51.7 55.055.0 1 Tomato Seed Pod 0.0 41.7 63.3 68.3 1 Globe Direct Seed 0.0 80.080.0 71.7 0 Tomato Seed Pod 0.0 80.0 80.0 75.0 1 Bush Bean Direct Seed65.0 65.0 65.0 70.0 2 Seed Pod 70.0 87.5 82.5 77.5 1 Snap Pea DirectSeed 45.0 100.0 100.0 95.0 0 Seed Pod 25.0 77.5 82.5 82.5 0 Water-Direct Seed 95.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 0 melon Seed Pod 65.0 70.0 82.5 82.51 Cucumber Direct Seed 100.0 100.0 95.0 95.0 0 Seed Pod 100.0 100.0100.0 100.0 0 Green Direct Seed 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 0 Zucchini SeedPod 75.0 75.0 70.0 70.0 1 Yellow Direct Seed 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 0Zucchini Seed Pod 95.0 95.0 95.0 95.0 0 Pumpkin Direct Seed 100.0 100.0100.0 100.0 0 Seed Pod 87.5 95.0 100.0 100.0 0 *Significantly ImprovedGerminationFrance Results:

TABLE 11 Failed Seeding Percent Germination per 8 Crop Seed Method 6 DAS10 DAS 13 DAS 17 DAS 20 DAS Sites Basil Direct Seed 26.27 30.0 33.3 38.338.3 2 Seed Pod 63.3 63.3 66.7 66.7 66.7 0 Cilantro Direct Seed 0.0 58.3126.7 105.0 71.7 1 Seed Pod 0.0 121.7 163.3 130.0 96.7 0 Dill DirectSeed 0.0 16.7 46.7 46.7 41.7 2 Seed Pod 0.0 80.0 121.7 105.0 93.3 0Spinach Direct Seed 26.7 30.0 18.3 18.3 21.7 4 Seed Pod 96.7 100.0 96.7*100.0* 100.0* 0 Leaf Lettuce Direct Seed 26.7 38.3 51.7 43.3 41.7 2 SeedPod 26.7 101.7 135.0 116.7 96.7 0 Butterhead Direct Seed 41.7 80.0 80.075.0 60.0 2 Lettuce Seed Pod 80.0 101.7 101.7 96.7 88.3 0 Romaine DirectSeed 13.3 38.3 35.0 30.0 25.0 4 Lettuce Seed Pod 0.0 66.7 93.3* 96.7*96.7* 0 Sweet Pepper Direct Seed 0.0 0.0 18.3 30.0 35.0 4 Seed Pod 0.05.0 63.3 96.7* 96.7* 0 Cherry Tomato Direct Seed 46.7 68.3 71.7 75.080.0 0 Seed Pod 43.3 66.7 76.7 80.0 75.0 0 Globe Tomato Direct Seed 5.030.0 30.0 30.0 21.7 4 Seed Pod 21.7 66.7 76.7 76.7 76.7 0 Bush BeanDirect Seed 75.0 70.0 75.0 75.0 65.0 1 Seed Pod 82.5 70.0 70.0 70.0 70.00 Snap Pea Direct Seed 25.0 65.0 77.5 82.5 77.5 1 Seed Pod 70.0 87.587.5 87.5 95.0 0 Watermelon Direct Seed 65.0 75.0 82.5 75.0 75.0 0 SeedPod 65.0 75.0 90.0 90.0 90.0 0 Cucumber Direct Seed 77.5 87.5 82.5 82.582.5 1 Seed Pod 95.0 95.0 95.0 95.0 95.0 0 Green Zucchini Direct Seed95.0 95.0 95.0 95.0 95.0 0 Seed Pod 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 0Yellow Direct Seed 57.5 77.5 77.5 77.5 77.5 1 Zucchini Seed Pod 95.0100.0 95.0 100.0 95.0 0 Pumpkin Direct Seed 70.0 87.5 87.5 87.5 87.5 0Seed Pod 77.5 77.5 95.0 95.0 100.0 0 *Significantly Improved GerminationEngland Results:

TABLE 12 Failed Seeding Percent Germination per 4 Crop Seed Method 5 DAS7 DAS 10 DAS 12 DAS 18 DAS Sites Basil Direct Seed 0.0 0.0 4 Seed Pod83.3* 93.3* 0 Cilantro Direct Seed 16.7 43.3 83.3 0 Seed Pod 50.0 93.393.3 0 Dill Direct Seed 0.0 0.0 0.0 4 Seed Pod 50.0* 66.7* 66.7* 0Spinach Direct Seed 10.0 10.0 60.0 83.3 83.3 0 Seed Pod 26.7 93.3*100.0* 100.0 100.0 0 Leaf Lettuce Direct Seed 0.0 60.0 50.0 66.7 33.3 0Seed Pod 16.7 50.0 43.3 100.0 100.0* 0 Butterhead Direct Seed 10.0 10.016.7 26.7 26.7 2 Lettuce Seed Pod 16.7 76.7 76.7 83.3 76.7* 1 RomaineDirect Seed 16.7 26.7 50.0 66.7 26.7 0 Lettuce Seed Pod 0.0 26.7 10.0100.0 93.3 0 Sweet Pepper Direct Seed 10.0 3 Seed Pod 43.3 2 CherryTomato Direct Seed 0.0 26.7 66.7 0 Seed Pod 16.7 110.0* 110.0 0 GlobeTomato Direct Seed 0.0 10.0 26.7 2 Seed Pod 10.0 43.3 16.7 1 Bush BeanDirect Seed 100.0 100.0 100.0 0 Seed Pod 90.0 100.0 100.0 0 Snap PeaDirect Seed 90.0 90.0 90.0 0 Seed Pod 90.0 100.0 100.0 0 WatermelonDirect Seed 15.0 0.0 0.0 4 Seed Pod 0.0 25.0 115.0* 0 Cucumber DirectSeed 65.0 65.0 65.0 1 Seed Pod 100.0 100.0 75.0 0 Green Zucchini DirectSeed 50.0 50.0 65.0 1 Seed Pod 90.0 100.0 100.0 0 Yellow Direct Seed65.0 65.0 75.0 1 Zucchini Seed Pod 90.0 100.0 100.0 0 Pumpkin DirectSeed 50.0 75.00 75.00 0 Seed Pod 50.0 90.00 100.0 0 *SignificantlyImproved Germination

CONCLUSION

The results from the five locations provided great insight despite thevariable climatic conditions of seed pods testing. In general, seedsplanted in seed pods performed as well or better than directly plantingthe seed. When temperatures cooled in Ohio, the seeds germinated fineand even tended to surpass directly planted seeds, which indicates apossible effect of temperature on lettuce seed pods. Previous researchhas shown that no large temperature difference occurs within seed podswhen compared to native Ohio soil at various times during the day. Noother species really showed this anomaly.

We claim:
 1. A plant growing system comprising: an outer shell, theouter shell being biodegradable; a rooting material, the rootingmaterial comprising external ribbing, the external ribbing forming gapsbetween the outer shell and the rooting material when the rootingmaterial is inserted in the outer shell; and one or more of afertilizer, a nutrient, or a seed; wherein the outer shell and therooting material form a water reservoir, the water reservoir incommunication with the gaps and, prior to the plant growing system beingwatered, comprising the fertilizer or nutrient.
 2. The system of claim1, wherein the outer shell is a formed, molded, and/or compostedmaterial.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the outer shell is in theform of a triangular acorn.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the outershell comprises a reinforced apex aiding penetration into a surface. 5.The system of claim 1, wherein the outer shell further comprises aflange disposed at the top of the outer shell.
 6. The system of claim 5,wherein the flange is adapted to act as a guide for proper plantingdepth.
 7. The system of claim 5, wherein the flange includes a surfacearea for attachment of a removable lid.
 8. The system of claim 1,wherein the outer shell has a thickness in the range of about 0.025-0.25inches.
 9. The system of claim 1, further comprising a removable lidcomprising a biodegradable material.
 10. The system of claim 1, whereinthe rooting material comprises soil, coir, vermiculite, compost,perlite, bark fines, peat, wood shavings, mulch, or combinationsthereof.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the rooting materialcomprises dibbles, recesses, concavities, or holes for positioning,housing, or receiving seeds.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein therooting material comprises 1-3 dibbles for positioning, housing, orreceiving seeds.
 13. The system of claim 11, wherein the dibbles includea biodegradable plug and seed, wherein the biodegradable plug is held inplace by friction or adhesives.
 14. The system of claim 11, furthercomprising a biodegradable plug, a biodegradable lid, a water permeableadhesive, coir, coir dust, vermiculite, compost, perlite bark fines,peat, wood shavings, mulch, or a combination thereof overlaying orfilling the dibbles, recesses, concavities, or holes.
 15. The system ofclaim 14, wherein the biodegradable lid comprises cornstarch, apolyvinyl alcohol, a polyvinyl acetate, or combinations thereof.
 16. Thesystem of claim 14, wherein the biodegradable lid comprises coir dust,non-compressed coir, or screened coconut coir pith.
 17. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the external ribbing of the rooting material is adaptedto frictionally engage the outer shell.
 18. The system of claim 1,wherein the external ribbing of the rooting material is adapted topermit the migration of water to the bottom of the outer shell.
 19. Atray comprising the plant growing system of claim
 1. 20. A method ofgrowing a garden comprising planting the plant growing system of claim 1and watering the plant growing system.